New Audio PC DAW Build

[Splinterhead]

Hey all,
I haven't built a new audio/recording machine in a few years so I'm hoping for some advice from the pros. I located the PC Parts Picker site (great site!) and pulled together a list of goodies.

My current machine is running XP and Samplitude Pro X on it. Its getting long in the tooth and a lot of the stuff I use isn't supported in this configuration.

The List:

CPU - Intel Core i7-5820K 3.3GHz 6-Core Processor

CPU Cooler - Noctua NH-12S CPU Cooler

Motherboard - Asus X99-A ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard

Memory - 4 Kingston HyperX Fury Black 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2133

Storage - Samsung 850 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (program drive)

Aux Hard Drives: 2 - Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drives

Video Card - Zotac GeForce GT 730 2GB Video Card (fanless for low noise)

Power Supply - SeaSonic X Series 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX

Optical Drive - Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer

Operating System - Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit)

Case - iStar D Storm D-400-7P 4U Rackmount Server Chassis. Amazon.com: iStar D Storm D-400-7P 4U Rackmount Server Chassis (Black): Electronics

This machine will solely deal with audio production only. It will not be on the internet nor have any games etc. Strictly audio. It will need to record up to 16 tracks at once (from remote machines at live gigs) It will also have multiple VST's (BFD2, Atmosphere plus others). I'm hoping for bulletproof.

I'm leaning towards Cubase 8 Artist as a new DAW.

Questions:
1. First does this list look legit? Any overkill?
2. The case I'm using is a rackmount case (Amazon.com: iStar D Storm D-400-7P 4U Rackmount Server Chassis (Black): Electronics Do you think there are any issues using this case as opposed to a tower case regarding fitting all the components?
3. I'll need Firewire for my 2 Presonus Firepods. I'm thinking the TI Chip Firewire card?
4. Am I missing anything regarding this build?

Thanks for reading!

 

[mjslakeridge]

That looks like a great build, but may be a bit overkill for Cubase. It would easily handle Pro Tools latest version, which is more demanding than other DAWs. (except that Avid has not yet certified Windows 10-they still recommend 7 or 8 for now). I am using a AMD Phenom II 1045T and can record 48 tracks with 5 plugins on each track simultaneously (Its called the D-Verb test to see what your rig is capable of). I am on an older version of Pro Tools LE-for the latest versions the guys on the Avid forum recommend i7's rather than AMD.

You may want to check out this link: http://duc.avid.com/forumdisplay.php?f=93&order=desc

The first sticky is about i7 builds. Start from the last post and work your way backwards until you get the info you need since it is so long (Unless you like to read 6,000+ replies).

Hope this helps.

 

[Splinterhead]

That looks like a great build, but may be a bit overkill for Cubase. It would easily handle Pro Tools latest version, which is more demanding than other DAWs. (except that Avid has not yet certified Windows 10-they still recommend 7 or 8 for now). I am using a AMD Phenom II 1045T and can record 48 tracks with 5 plugins on each track simultaneously (Its called the D-Verb test to see what your rig is capable of). I am on an older version of Pro Tools LE-for the latest versions the guys on the Avid forum recommend i7's rather than AMD.

You may want to check out this link: http://duc.avid.com/forumdisplay.php?f=93&order=desc

The first sticky is about i7 builds. Start from the last post and work your way backwards until you get the info you need since it is so long (Unless you like to read 6,000+ replies).

Hope this helps.

Thanks so much for your feedback!
I'll check out the thread for sure. My big question is about the case. I have to have it rackmountable as to how my studio is set up.

Hopefully others will chime in with their opinions as well!

 

[mjslakeridge]

Sweetwater makes rackmountable rigs for DAWs, so it is definitely possible. Check out their website and see if they give the dimensions of the case and try to compare to the case you are considering.

Edit: I see that your case can handle an ATX board, so it looks large enough. When you were on PCPartspicker did you select the "compatability" box to see if they think your components will fit OK?

 

[Splinterhead]

Sweetwater makes rackmountable rigs for DAWs, so it is definitely possible. Check out their website and see if they give the dimensions of the case and try to compare to the case you are considering.

Edit: I see that your case can handle an ATX board, so it looks large enough. When you were on PCPartspicker did you select the "compatability" box to see if they think your components will fit OK?

On PC Parts Picker they don't have rackmounted cases as a choice. Kind of a drag.

 

[mjslakeridge]

Oh, that's too bad. One question: does the CPU you have selected have integrated graphics? If so, you may consider that over the dedicated GPU. DAW's don't require that much GPU power, and since you won't be gaming on this rig, that would free up some space in the case.

I have been using the integrated graphics in my rig to run a 24 inch and 19 inch monitor with no issues in tracking or editing, even though it is not recommended for Pro Tools.

 

[Splinterhead]

Oh, that's too bad. One question: does the CPU you have selected have integrated graphics? If so, you may consider that over the dedicated GPU. DAW's don't require that much GPU power, and since you won't be gaming on this rig, that would free up some space in the case.

I have been using the integrated graphics in my rig to run a 24 inch and 19 inch monitor with no issues in tracking or editing, even though it is not recommended for Pro Tools.

I downloaded the pdf for the X99 I'll check into that for sure. I'll also check and see what kind of specs Cubase needs graphically as well. All excellent points! I appreciate your help.

 

[mjslakeridge]

I believe the integrated graphics would be a function of the cpu, not the motherboard. I will try to check that out, just to be sure. Also the k at the end of the cpu # indicates you can overclock it. If you don't want to do overclock, you could get a less costly non-k cpu.

 

[Splinterhead]

I believe the integrated graphics would be a function of the cpu, not the motherboard. I will try to check that out, just to be sure. Also the k at the end of the cpu # indicates you can overclock it. If you don't want to do overclock, you could get a less costly non-k cpu.

Very cool, I'll be looking into that as well.
I don't plan on doing any overclocking. My goal is to try to make this build as bulletproof as possible. I still have a lot of compatibility issues to check out. I'm currently running two old Presonus Firepods via firewire. I'm hoping to have some luck mating that hardware with this build. Also Steinberg finally gave the go ahead for Windows 10. But I'm sure that OS has some surprises in store for me as well. I greatly appreciate your time and help. This forum and PC Parts Picker are certainly a boon!

 

[mjslakeridge]

I just checked out the CPU, specs. It does not have integrated graphics: http://ark.intel.com/products/82932/

So you will need a GPU.

From what I have read (mainly on this forum) Win 10 is still quite buggy, and not all vendors have provided updated drivers for it. That may be an issue with your Presonus Firepods. Maybe you could check with Presonis. Another option is to go with Windows7 Professional 64 bit for now, and do the free upgrade to Win10 before Dec 31, 2015. By then it may be less buggy and more drivers will be available . But I also understand that windows 10 has a lot of stuff going on in the background all the time, which is what you don't want with a DAW. If it won't be on the internet, maybe that won't bee too much of an issue. If it were me, I would go with Windows 7 or 8.1. I am still on XP SP3 for my Pro Tools rig. No games, no internet connection, most startup services off, etc. Rock solid.

 

[Splinterhead]

I just checked out the CPU, specs. It does not have integrated graphics: http://ark.intel.com/products/82932/

So you will need a GPU.

From what I have read (mainly on this forum) Win 10 is still quite buggy, and not all vendors have provided updated drivers for it. That may be an issue with your Presonus Firepods. Maybe you could check with Presonis. Another option is to go with Windows7 Professional 64 bit for now, and do the free upgrade to Win10 before Dec 31, 2015. By then it may be less buggy and more drivers will be available . But I also understand that windows 10 has a lot of stuff going on in the background all the time, which is what you don't want with a DAW. If it won't be on the internet, maybe that won't bee too much of an issue. If it were me, I would go with Windows 7 or 8.1. I am still on XP SP3 for my Pro Tools rig. No games, no internet connection, most startup services off, etc. Rock solid.

Yeah, I agree. I'm thinking Windows 8.1 will be more solid and also supported longer than 7. I was hoping to take advantage of whatever 10 may have to offer as far as performance. As you said though the negatives may outweigh the positives. I love XP but my current rig is showing its age and before I start any new money making projects I think I have to make the jump. I've had some freezes and blue screens with clients in the room...not good.
This will be a new adventure for sure!
Thanks for checking on the GPU for me, greatly appreciated!

 

[mjslakeridge]

You are welcome. 8.1 is quite different in appearance than 7 (or XP). I have all 3 and 8 took some getting used to. Once you get the machine up and running, check to see if Steinberg has any optimization guides for whichever version of Windows you select. For Pro Tools, Avid has a bunch of optimizations (things in the BIOS, display settings, disabling most startup items, on and on), for each version of Pro Tools and Windows. Sweetwater also has Pro Tools optimization guides. Maybe Cubase is less sensitive, I have only messed with it once on a rig someone else had set up. But if you want a rock solid setup, it is best to follow the advice of those who have been there, done that. Nothing more embarrassing than a DAW freezing up with a room full of musicians looking over your shoulder. Once I got my rig properly set up, it seldom happens.

There probably is a Cubase forum out there somewhere.

Post back when you get it assembled (or sooner if more questions come up). I know there are some more audio guys on this forum, so maybe they can chime in also.

 

[Splinterhead]

You are welcome. 8.1 is quite different in appearance than 7 (or XP). I have all 3 and 8 took some getting used to. Once you get the machine up and running, check to see if Steinberg has any optimization guides for whichever version of Windows you select. For Pro Tools, Avid has a bunch of optimizations (things in the BIOS, display settings, disabling most startup items, on and on), for each version of Pro Tools and Windows. Sweetwater also has Pro Tools optimization guides. Maybe Cubase is less sensitive, I have only messed with it once on a rig someone else had set up. But if you want a rock solid setup, it is best to follow the advice of those who have been there, done that. Nothing more embarrassing than a DAW freezing up with a room full of musicians looking over your shoulder. Once I got my rig properly set up, it seldom happens.

There probably is a Cubase forum out there somewhere.

Post back when you get it assembled (or sooner if more questions come up). I know there are some more audio guys on this forum, so maybe they can chime in also.

For sure. It would be great to have a DAW section for all of us music types.😀
Thanks again for your help.

 

[Splinterhead]

I'm back with a question regarding the Asus X99-A.
I've been doing further research on this mother board and have found that there have been major failures. People's cpu's getting fried etc. I was wondering if the issue has been alleviated by ASUS or is it still ongoing? I have not bought my cpu or mb yet as I'm hoping I could get some advice on them.