Audio Production Workstation Build

[stylesforfree]

First thanks for the welcome.

So here is my build, im on a budget, im in the UK so working in pounds/sterling.
Its going to be for running audio software exclusively.

Case: Fractal Design Define R4
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3
CPU: AMD FX8320 Black Edition 8 Core
PSU: Antec Earthwatts EA-550 550W
SSD: Crucial 128GB M4 SATA III
Ram: Corsair Vengeance 16GB 1600MHZ

I dont need a GPU but I will need a 2nd HDD for storing audio samples and libraries.

I am budget minded her, but if theres a cpu from intel that rivals the FX8320 for £118 then im all ears. And for 20 quid less the patriot black mamba ram is available on amazon but what is the difference between these two, it seems they are identical

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Patriot-Vip...4148&sr=8-1&keywords=patriot+black+mamba+16gb

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Patriot-160...4148&sr=8-4&keywords=patriot+black+mamba+16gb

Michael.

 

[Goldskis45]

The more expensive one has tighter timings

 

[WYP]

you say you don't need a gpu, so just to confirm you already have a gpu right?
that motherboard/cpu has no gpu integrated into them.

you also say you are working with audio software so a sound card would help.

 

[stylesforfree]

yeah I have an audio interface. I guess I will need a GPU then haha.

 

[barnsley]

The 8320 is the best you can get for the price unless you somehow stumble across a i5 non K for the same price.

 

[stylesforfree]

Ok, whats a decent mobo with an integrated GPU?

 

[WYP]

as far as i'm aware only am3+ motherboards with older (pre-900 series) chip-sets have integrated gpus. I don't know how well they can handle a FX-8320.

 

[stylesforfree]

ok cool, whats a cheap GPU that I could use? im very budget limited here. thank you for the replied and input so far

 

[Drakkonen]

Pretty much any gpu is gonna do the job tbh. IF you are just doing audio work oyu may aswell just get something like a GT610.

 

[WYP]

more or less anything will do gpu-wise, given that you only need it to output to your monitor.

you should be able to buy cheap gpu for around 20-35ish.

something like the AMD hd 6450 on for £26

 

[Goldskis45]

something like the AMD hd 6450 on for £26

I second this option +1

 

[stylesforfree]

Ok, what about a modular PSU? Any thoughts on the budget OCZ one? Any major advantages besides supposed improved airflow?

 

[Cru]

Ok, what about a modular PSU? Any thoughts on the budget OCZ one? Any major advantages besides supposed improved airflow?

easier to work with. keeps everything tidy and clean.
don't buy OCZ though..
i like corsair, xfx and seasonic

 

[Arfur Schrunkunpecker]

Michael,

I'm also building a rig to run Sonar X2. It's my first build based around my first DAW.

Question. What audio interface will you use?

I will be getting a midi keyboard but I'm not sure what audio interface to get to plug it into. Something that offers the least latency.

I wish I'd seen this post before posting my own.

 

[Drakkonen]

Michael,

I'm also building a rig to run Sonar X2. It's my first build based around my first DAW.

Question. What audio interface will you use?

I will be getting a midi keyboard but I'm not sure what audio interface to get to plug it into. Something that offers the least latency.

I wish I'd seen this post before posting my own.

What keyboard were you planning on getting and how much would you want to spend on an inteface?

 

[Arfur Schrunkunpecker]

What keyboard were you planning on getting and how much would you want to spend on an interface?

Something like an Axiom 61 or A-800PRO.
For the interface, I'm not sure. I'd be prepared to buy something good as it's a crucial part and can be used for a good while. It'll only be for the midi keyboard though. Maybe a microphone too.

 

[stylesforfree]

Ok, so im going for an Antec One case instead of the fractal r4 as its 30 quid cheaper, sticking with the processor and mobo (unless someone can give me an option for a cheaper mobo that performs at the same level as the 990FXA).

Ram...might get the g.skill ares. but I need 16GB ideally at 1600MHZ as im using a lot of sample heavy software.

 

[Drakkonen]

Something like an Axiom 61 or A-800PRO.
For the interface, I'm not sure. I'd be prepared to buy something good as it's a crucial part and can be used for a good while. It'll only be for the midi keyboard though. Maybe a microphone too.

As far as I am aware both of those controllers can be used directly through USB so an interface wont be needed for reducing latency. That being said you will probably want to get one anyway for the better audio quality for playback. In that case it really is dependent on budget and what you actually need ie, If you are using microphones then a decent built in pre-amp would be good etc

 

[stylesforfree]

Something like an Axiom 61 or A-800PRO.
For the interface, I'm not sure. I'd be prepared to buy something good as it's a crucial part and can be used for a good while. It'll only be for the midi keyboard though. Maybe a microphone too.

Sorry for the delayed response, wasnt ignoring you, just didnt see your posts.

Check out the Native instruments Komplete Audio 6

This is what I will be upgrading to in the near future.

http://www.musicradar.com/reviews/tech/native-instruments-komplete-audio-6-459563

Very good reviews, nice mic preamps and plenty of i/o options.

 

[Arfur Schrunkunpecker]

Sorry for the delayed response, wasnt ignoring you, just didnt see your posts.

Check out the Native instruments Komplete Audio 6

This is what I will be upgrading to in the near future.

http://www.musicradar.com/reviews/tech/native-instruments-komplete-audio-6-459563

Very good reviews, nice mic preamps and plenty of i/o options.

Thanks a lot. I'll check it out..