New Computer Build for PT10 - Opinions

[TreeProg]

I am building a pc from scratch for the sole purpose of audio recording using Pro Tools 10 and any plug-ins I decide to get along the way.

Here is a list of currently selected components:

Case: Rosewill R5
Motherboard: Asus Sabertooth Z77
CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 3.4GHz
CPU Cooler: Zalman CNPS9900MAX-B
Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB Model F3-14900CL9Q-16GBXL
PSU: SeaSonic X Series X650 Gold ((SS-650KM Active PFC F3))
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black 1 TB SATA III 7200 RPM 64 MB Cache
DVD Burner: Asus DRW-B1ST 24X
Wireless Network Card: Asus PCE-N15
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium

I have a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers I plan on using for a bit until I get this set up and decide what I need. I know I'll need to get some decent studio monitors (speakers) soon, as well as a larger monitor (the visual kind) because my current one is a bit small for the way I need it set up. If anyone has recommendations for these items, I would love to hear them.

I have an extra HDD I plan on using as well. I can't remember the specs for it, and it is in storage due to a recent change in residence. It is my understanding that it is best to separate your recording sessions and samples onto another HDD, thus the 2 HDDs. The WD black is going to be the music one because I'm sure it is better than the one I already own. I have been thinking about the possibility of getting an SSD, but I think I should wait until I would get better use of it (when I start sampling a lot more), and the price might drop further.

I'm not sure if it would be worth the money to get Windows 7 Professional. The only thing I might use is the ability to have more memory, but it's not like I'm recording a symphony or anything.

My primary objective is to have minimal latency and noise from the computer itself. I will be recording basic rock band stuff: guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, vocals.

I haven't built a computer (or even upgraded one) in about 7 years, so I'm fairly stupid about all of this. Any opinions, approvals, disapprovals, or insults are welcome!

[albee1952]

I'm not the last word on this, but I would not build anything but an X79 motherboard(socket 2011) with 4 sticks of quad-channel RAM

[TreeProg]

The price difference for the CPU and motherboard of the x79 type to what I have picked seemed too large for me to justify that. Again, I'm not recording a symphony or anything. Are you basing this on future compatibility issues?

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by TreeProg

The price difference for the CPU and motherboard of the x79 type to what I have picked seemed too large for me to justify that. Again, I'm not recording a symphony or anything. Are you basing this on future compatibility issues?

I'm basing it on known solid performance. My second choice if the cost is too much, would be a socket 1366 i7(950 and up) and an X58 motherboard and 3 matching sticks of RAM(X58 mobo's run in triple-channel mode). While these parts are "old" in computer terms, they are also solid as a rock(check out the i7 Builds thread in the LE on Windows section). Socket 1155 and 1156 are a lot trickier to get right(the wrong motherboard can kill you, as I found out the hard way). Building exactly what others have had success with, is the way to go

Having said that, consider for a moment; how long will this computer last you(and a great build will go longer than an okay build). Let's say you will get 5 years out of it and you are choosing between a $1500 build and a $1000 build. That's $200 per year for cheap, and $300 per year for killer. Now it doesn't sound like a lot more, does it

In any case, you want at least 2 hard drives(add a 3rd if you use lots of sample-based VI's). I would use WD Caviar Black for everything, but you CAN go with a Blue for the system drive(and 500GB is plenty big for system as well, Many are using 128GB SSD for system)

[TreeProg]

You make good sense. I appreciate your help! I'm looking into some options with these suggestions.

[Trainwrecker]

Who has built an IVY system and not had it work out? "Known solid performance"
If no one tweaks out an Ivy Z77 system, then it would not be known, correct?

I am going to put a system together with the i7-3770K and a Mobo that I have not chosen as of yet. I am planning to use the intel HD Graphics 4000. I'll let you know how it turns out so a baseline can be started and people might not have to spend all that loot on an X79 setup.

[guitardom]

Originally Posted by Trainwrecker

Who has built an IVY system and not had it work out? "Known solid performance"
If no one tweaks out an Ivy Z77 system, then it would not be known, correct?

I am going to put a system together with the i7-3770K and a Mobo that I have not chosen as of yet. I am planning to use the intel HD Graphics 4000. I'll let you know how it turns out so a baseline can be started and people might not have to spend all that loot on an X79 setup.

on die graphics have always been a no no and the most speculated reason why this series has not been working.

[albee1952]

I have great respect for trailblazers. Let us know how it goes

[Trainwrecker]

Can't be a Hobo forever

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by Trainwrecker

Can't be a Hobo forever

Once a Hobo......