Author Topic: Help with DAW spec (Read 2459 times)

Gary · « **on:** May 13, 2008, 12:06:23 PM »

I’m looking to buy a basic PC for use as a dedicated DAW. I’ve narrowed it down to two systems within my budget. Main spec as follows:

Processor – E6750 Dual Core (2x2.67 Ghz, 4mb cache, 1333Mhz FSB)
Motherboard – ASUS P5N-E-SLI
Memory – 2Gb DDR2 800

Processor Q6600 Quad Core (4x2.4 Ghz, 8mb cache, 1066Mhz FSB)
Motherboard – MSI P6NGM-L
Memory – 2Gb DDR2 667

I’ll be using an E-Mu 1212m soundcard which I already have.

On the face of it the second may have the better processor but the motherboard on the first seems to have better spec and can take faster memory. I’ve also heard that the quad core is not necessarily as good as it appears. So which should I go for?

ailean · « **Reply #1 on:** May 13, 2008, 01:34:46 PM »

I'd probably go with the dual core system, the faster memory will reduce bottlenecks and I'd be surprised if an audio application needs more than a dual core proc. A dual core is capable of running multiple video applications at once so it should be able to cope with multi track audio even at a high grade.

Also worth considering is whether the applications you are using are properly multi threaded, if not the bulk of the processing will only be done on one core at a time (it may switch from core to core. but only one at a time), and the performance gain of a quad will be minimal. I think most applications tend to be multi threaded these days, but it depends how well the multi threading is handled.

Do you know anyone with a dual core? try the software on there and watch the task manager CPU monitor, if the overall percentage used is around 50% then a quad core is unlikely to help. If the CPU is around 100% used then a quad core may well help you.

PhilKing · « **Reply #2 on:** May 13, 2008, 01:41:07 PM »

I like ASUS motherboards and have a P5E3 that I'm just putting together (though DDR3 memory is really expensive!). I was just helping set up a studio in Yorkshire and we got an ASUS/Case/quad processor/8gB DDR2/1mB GForce 8500 video/case and 750 watt power supply for about £420, which I thought was a great price. They had cheaper setups with dual processors and/or less memory. If you want I can find out the name of the company.

Jonny · « **Reply #3 on:** May 13, 2008, 04:13:49 PM »

+1 for ASUS.

Oli · « **Reply #4 on:** May 13, 2008, 04:28:13 PM »

I'd go for the quad core one, and bump the RAM up. Once you start using plugins over a few tracks (say, EQ and compression on 8 tracks, + reverb +a few other effects), then you're looking at nearly 20 plugins, which will quickly grind your system to a halt. Don't underestimate the amount of processing power that audio requires!

Gary · « **Reply #5 on:** May 13, 2008, 05:02:17 PM »

Both options come pre built from computerhq in Eastborne who seem to have a good reputation although I'd be keen for other recommendations. Both include 500w PSU, DVD RW and win XP. A SATA2 hard drive is included - not bothered about the size as I'll be using my own external 500Gb hard drive and also installing my own soundcard.

The Q6600 is about £399 and the E6750 about £450 (which is already £50 more than I planned). Monitor keyboard and mouse will be extra but I'm not planning to spend a lot on them.

At present I'm more tempted by the E6750 deal for the following reasons:

better quality case
faster RAM (the msi board can only take 667)
better quality m/board which will take a quad core at a later date if I choose to upgrade.
The Q6600 system seems to be built up to the maximum specs for the MSI m/board so effectively not upgradable.

Having written all that I seem to be talking myself into it. Anyone care to differ?

BTW Phil - if you can recommend an alternative supplier I'd be grateful.

_tom_ · « **Reply #6 on:** May 13, 2008, 05:04:12 PM »

I have a Q6600 and 2gb crucial ballistix ram (probably overkill really but it looks cool and was cheap) on an Abit IP35 Pro motherboard. Have been using it for about 2 months-ish now and really like it. Very fast and its great for gaming. I haven't really done much recording on it yet though so I dont know what its like for that. I'm sure if it handles gaming fine then it shouldn't have too much of a problem with recording.

Transcend · « **Reply #7 on:** May 13, 2008, 05:16:27 PM »

well id say the asus motherboard is a big nono but thats due to me having bad experiences with every asus board that ive owned (about 5)

and quad cores really arent neccessary unless you wanna play crysis :P

so i say get a dual core witha non asus motherboard :P

MDV · « **Reply #8 on:** May 13, 2008, 05:23:37 PM »

Couple of words to the wise:

A: Make sure the board accepts the memory. Asus are fussy little gits

B: Make sure the 800 memory is actually faster. True memory speed =

(1/clock)xcas latency

The cas latency will either be CL-whatever or the first number in a chain of 4 like 5-5-5-12. So 800Mhz CL5 delivers one bit of information to the processor in

(1/800000000)x5, and its in seconds (that would be 6.25 nanoseconds)

Higher clock speeds can actually be slower with higher latencies.

And get the Q6600 with the fastest ram you can find. The quad might actually help you with some audio apps (if not now then in a couple of years).

PhilKing · « **Reply #9 on:** May 14, 2008, 12:27:47 PM »

Do an Ebay search for Ethiocom Computers, that is where we got the PC. They don't come with an operatng system, so you will need to budget for that too (it will add about £70 if you get an OEM version).

Currently they have this quad for £399.50:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CORE2QUAD-Q6600-500GB-8500GT-1024MB-4GB-DDR2-800MHZ_W0QQitemZ380025783918QQihZ025QQcategoryZ179QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

And this duo for £291.50:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CORE2DUO-E8200-500GB-8500GT-512MB-4GB-DDR2-667MHZ_W0QQitemZ380025455497QQihZ025QQcategoryZ179QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Plus lots of others.

Author Topic: Help with DAW spec (Read 2459 times)

Transcend