If you mean the 1TB SSD instead of the 2TB HDD, that is fine, although I suggest you do daily backups of that SSD. Why the GTX 980? Gaming or video editing?
If you need a solid DAW builder in AUS then contact vin from AAVIM. He is Tafkat here on GS.

Cheers mate - appreciated.

Meantime I have spoke to another local (Perth) guy who does build. He can harvest some of my existing rig to save cost. For example, I only got a new graphics card 6 months ago and it is still high-end. Decided to go with the 1tb Samsung Evo plus an extra 4tb of mechanical storage (7200rpm).

I do Cubase (with Kontakt libraries so I have boosted RAM to 32gb), Adobe Premiere/Photoshop and some gaming.

I'm preparing a build based on a Xeon E3-1231v3 or similar (socket 1150) CPU and I wonder what the consensus is on ECC RAM in a DAW? It looks to be about twice the price for 2x8GB. I know I need support on the motherboard, but the one I'm looking at (ASRock Rack > C226M WS) does have it.

IMO, it's not worth it. You're paying for something that is really just not critical. You're better off using the money to get more RAM or faster disks.

Here's an opinion on workstation vs servers and why servers can use ECC.
memory - Would you use ECC RAM in a workstation? - Server Fault

I also wouldn't bother with Xeon unless you're going with two matched CPUs right out of the gate. The motherboards are more expensive, the CPUs are more expensive, and the whole package tends to be optimized for server use, not workstation use. Xeon only really shines in a workstation when you use multiple of them.

Pete

Yes, you are definitely wrong. Cubase (and all your various plugins) will use all the cores you can throw at it.

Start playing a super CPU-intensive project in Cubase and then then take a look at the Performance tab of task manager... you'll see each logical processor hard at work.



(This graph shows a project with 376 compressor plugins running in Cubase 8 on my 5930K-based computer... you can see all the logical processors start from nearly idle, to jumping up a lot when Cubase loads the project, then going up even more when the project is playing.)

Oh man...I was all set to get an x99 build but everyone I spoke to said I would get more cost/performance from 4790k and then upgrade earlier, later to an x99 when they are cheaper (with the cash I will save).

I was under the intention that most programs aren't able to take full advantage of the 59xx.

Oh well...build is underway so not much I can do...thanks for your reply though

Cubase and Windows do a decent job of spreading the threads across the available cores. Here's a relatively light load, but you can see it's still distributed across the cores. Cubase's threading code is likely pretty well written.



My processor is old. It was the original 6 core i7 extreme processor I built into this PC in 2010. Still runs quite well with a load on it today.

Pete

And here some more proof: Cubase 7.5.

While ECC is not a big advantage for audio workstations, it doesn't hurt either. Some workstation boards actually require it, which is why some of our configurations indeed use ECC RAM. Another advantage is that the general quality is much higher. You might have noted that especially DDR4 but also DDR3 on LGA2011 had issues with stable RAM configurations. We NEVER had such issues, RAM was running 100% from day 1, even when all slots were filled, and they don't break. Totally different story with desktop & non-ECC RAM, although the market seems to have filtered out most of the bad ones.

Now Pete, stop the "Xeons are more expensive", as they usually are not. You need to look at comparable CPUs. In some cases, the i7 variant is even more expensive - at least here in Europe. Of course you can't look at the E5-26XX units as they don't have a comparable i7 variation and come from a different wafer.
Xeons run a bit less hot, as they typically require less voltage for the same performance.

Now, when building your own system with desktop components, it is perfectly safe to use i7's. The issue *I* have with desktop boards is that they usually are mass market products with a high failure rate, sooner or later.

Fair enough.

The motherboards are usually more expensive, though, even if the CPU is roughly the same.

If you're building a high-end system and have enough money so that you're not buying ECC, but skimping on something else that may have more impact, then yes, go for it. But if buying ECC means you have to go with a cheaper SSD, or a smaller amount of memory, then it's not worth the trade-off in most cases.

You guys build systems that have to be rock solid top to bottom. It makes sense there. You've done lots of testing to find the right mix of components for a very stable config. The typical individual PC builder isn't going to have the research or skill to make the rest of the system so solid as to make ECC all that beneficial.

Pete

Thanks for your input.

I'm leaning towards non-ECC at this point. I had an idea of turning this interim DAW build into a file server at some point (hence the mobo) but some impressive inroads are being made lately in terms of performance/watt, so when that need actually arises (>1 year) an 80W CPU is probably going to look silly. I guess any H97 mobo will be fine, but suggestions are welcome.

The Xeon was a 50% off deal, so to me it's basically an i7 (sans GPU) for the price of an i3. Oh, and I scored an Intel 750 SSD (400GB) at a 25% discount, too. I wanted a fast work drive, but having read up on it I doubt I'll use this at its full potential so I'm leaning towards sending it back and replacing it with a regular SATA drive or two. A cutting edge drive at a discount is quite nice, but I figure interesting things will happen on the SSD front this year anyway, so it may not be totally stupid to send it back...perhaps.

SSDs are excellent for your boot and OS/apps drive. There's a huge performance difference between them and most spinning rust drives when it comes to booting up and launching apps.

In my own setup, I have a 512gb drive for Windows and programs, and then a 3TB mirrored RAID array for data.

Pete

Indeed. My available SSDs are only 120 GB though, so I need something more for samples and/or projects. But the Intel 750 appears to be way overkill, a 250+500GB setup (at roughly the same cost) would probably be of more use to me. Just me jumping at discounts.

No spinning rust in this build, I have externals for backup and a NAS for secondary storage.

Another X99-A 5820k build here, OC to 4GHz... running great with Ableton, RME HDSPe MADI and UAD duo card.

My last build was a few years ago and I had a lot of catching up to do, so many thanks to all who've contributed their knowledge and experiences (and highlighted the pros/cons) with X99 builds over the past month or two, I have learned a lot.

I absolutely agree with that. I was not telling people to use ECC RAM, rather trying to explain it in general.

To get back on this subject: I was surprised by the results but didn't find the time to go through the article and find out what is wrong.

While core speed certainly is essential, especially for small buffers (low latency software monitoring), the amount of cores kicks in when larger projects are used.

There is a major flaw in this test: Reaper only supports 24 threads (last test I made, at least), so a dual 12 core (the 2670v3) with *48* threads is basically used as a single CPU system. I don't have a login to SOS so I am not sure whether this was mentioned in the review. Added to this, these are not the best choice CPU's for audio IMO.

I have done tests for dual CPU, as there were negative posts regarding the use of the second processor.
Assuming you use a host which uses all cores (when in doubt easily achievable by using VEP), at low latency the benefit of the second CPU is somewhere between 25% in worst case, up to 80%. This is because low latency requires high core speed to add enough headroom for the realtime cycle spikes, and adding a CPU doesn't necessarily help much in that case - it depends on the project and the plugins used. When using larger buffers, i.e. when mixing, when using a hybrid engine (like ASIOguard), or when using DirectMonitoring/external analog or DSP monitor solutions, the benefit of the second CPU reaches between 57% and 100%!

As soon as I have the whole article, I will add info if required.

EDIT: my current test also shows that of all plugins I tested, RXC showed the worst results for dual CPU systems, so the SOS test is not showing the real deal - it is the worst possible setup to measure a dual CPU system. When using the Relab LX480 for example, at 64 samples buffer the 2nd CPU shows an 80% performance increase.

I just made decisions and ordered this system today.

Some might say, that the price isn't worth it for the CPU, but I finally exchanged the 5930k to the 5960X.

Case: Fractal Design Define R5 Black
Power Supply: be quiet! Straight Power 10 500W CM (Cable Management)
Mainboard: ASUS X99-A/U3.1
CPU: i7 5960X
RAM: Corsair DIMM 16 GB DDR4-2666 Quad-Kit Vengeance LPX
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock 3
SSD: Samsung 850 Pro 2,5" 256 GB
HDDs: I got several big enough external HDDs for samples and backups etc.
Graphics: GIGABYTE GeForce GT 610 Passive
Blue Ray & DVD Burner: had it already
OS: Win7 64 Bit Pro

Should I add 1 or 2 additional case-fans? If so, where should they be placed? The MB allows to place them on 3 different positions on the top side and one on the side of case. If so which fans would you recommend for the system? I know that the RAM is oversized regarding the 2666 speed but, I wanted to leave the possibility to overclock the system at some point maybe.

Anything "wrong" about this system, or does it look like a good choice?

I could maybe change a part if you suggest it, I will have to wait for the CPU for about a week until it arrives anyway, so I could phone them and change something i think.

Any improvement suggestions / help / recommendations welcome!


Thx guys!


And thanks to UltimateOutsider for his DAW building guide, which will help me in adjusting some preferences in the Bios, Windows and much more as I got this tutorial by "luck" in the newsletter from JRR which will be a great help after installing and updating Windows. Thanks a lot again! Cheers, man!

Hi guys,

I need your help regarding a system that I'm about to purchase.

First of all, my studio workstation based on a synthesizers and drum machines.
I will not use any VST and the only synth that have a VST is the Virus Ti 2.

I will use some lite plugins for Delay, Reverb, and Stereo Expander.
I will use the UAD-2-SATELLITE-DUO for mixing and some mastering.
I will use the TC electronics Finalizer 96K for the mastering processor.
Cubase 8 as my main sequencer and RME FF800 as my audio interface.

I have built a PC that fits my budget, but I will consider an upgrade if you guys advise me. Please note that the system will have acoustical treatment inside.

System:

Corsair - 750W RM750 10DB(quiet) 80% plus

H97 Matx 5th/4th Gen Haswell i7, i5 Quad Core: 1-PCIe 3.0/2.0 16x, 3-PCIe 2.0 1x up to 32gig ram, USB 3.0 USB 2.0

Intel - Core i7 4790 Haswell 3.6GHz Quad 8 meg cache with HT

16gig 2x8gig DDR3 1600 -

Microsoft - Windows 7 Pro 64 bit OEM

Micron - 256 GB SSD M600 560MB/s Read 510MB/s Write

SEAGATE - 3TB Sata 600 7200 RPM 64meg cache 2 yr warranty

SIIG - PCIe Firewire 800 3 port (TI chipset)

GeForce GT 730 Fanless Graphic Card - 902 MHz Core - 2 GB DDR3 SDRAM - PCI Express 2.0 x16

Please let me know if you have anything in mind and/or have better configuration.

Much oblige,
Sam

This looks like it will work well for your purposes. I recently did a somewhat similar build in a server chassis with an Xeon E5-1620 v2 3.7 GHz, ASUS Sabertooth X79, G.Skill 16GB DDR3 2400, ASUS GT730-2GD3-CSM, and SeaSonic Platinum SS-860XP2 860W. An Echo Audiofire firewire interface is used for audio and midi but will hopefully be joined by an RME HDSP 9632 soon. The results have been good so far running Ableton 9 on OS X Yosemite. It gets 3.04 ms of output latency at a sampling rate of 96 kHz, but the sequencer still doesn't slave to midi very well. Using MTC gets close, but not as good as most hardware sequencers. Fortunately, it syncs great with other gear when Ableton is the master clock. Rendering audio is very quick.

Good luck with the build!

Edit: You might want to get an aftermarket cpu cooler. These Intel chips can get fairly hot under load. I have a Dynatron air cooler but have heard good things about closed-loop water coolers. The Corsair H55 is supposed to be relatively quiet.

Hi all.
I have watched and followed this thread for well over a year and have really appreciated the info and experience here.
I attempted a new build over a year ago, got started and had to put it on hold due to losing my job. Now I would like current info to see what if any advice would change.

This will be a studio only computer, no Internet use except for software upgrade, and no gaming. My goal is to be able to record and playback something around 20-30 audio tracks, Use Compression, EQ and plugins (Mellodyne, Reverb, Delay, amp simulation etc) on each track and possibly start doing some virtual instruments via sample sets.

I don't have to worry about how noisy the unit is (within reason) due to the computer being in a separate air conditioned equipment room.
I have been using Samplitude 6.04 as my recording software and a RME 9652 PCI card as my audio interface running 26 channels of ADI-8 , Lucid and ADA8000 using a Lucid Master clock.

I know my old Samplitude software is unsupported for use with this new system, so I may bite the bullet and by a new version or look to something like Reaper as a replacement.

The parts i have bought and not used yet is a newer RME 9652 HDSP (PCI) and a OEM packet of Win 7 64 bit Home Premium.

What I was originally considering was I-7 3820 or 3930K. a X79 chipset on a board like a ASUS sabertooth X79.

I just am at a loss what I should be looking at right now.
To keep in perspective...What I have now is a Win 98SE 700mhz machine that has run rock solid for me for a ton of years. I just need modern capabilities and the interface options of new systems.

I am even open to buying someone elses newer unit that has been proofed out since so many seem to build often to keep on top. I just want a workhorse stable unit that is not finicky.

Thanks as always for your advice.

Quick question about picking the right RAM: 32 gigs of HyperX Fury 2133MHz RAM on a ASUS X99-PRO mobo with the i7-5960x processor = good? Or would something from, say, Corsair or Crucial be a better choice here?

When buying that much high-speed memory, try to get it in a matched set if possible.

If you're super conservative, use the brands / models recommended in your motherboard compatibility list.

Corsair and Crucial are still good. I have no idea about HyperX. Sounds like it's gamer memory.

Pete

Last time I read about memory from who I thought knew what they were talking about it was mentioned that Crucial were getting or procuring the better chips for RAM.

Thanks for your input, Pete! Gamer memory... Yes, I think it is. Would that be a good or bad thing in this context?

And I would think (and hope) that it's a matched set - they do sell them as 32 gig sets. I'm kinda clueless about all of this stuff, though... so...

Not sure what Asus recommends yet, but that's a good tip - I'll consult their documentation.

Thanks again!


Noted! And that's interesting, because I thought I might have read a disparaging remark or two about Crucial in this thread, possibly coming from someone who builds DAW computers for a living.

Thanks for your input. Highly appreciated as I HAVE read a couple of disconcerting things about this new platform with regards to stability. I think it was Scott from ADK who said something about picking the right RAM being of great importance etc. I'd like to just buy the computer and get things right from the get go, and not have to mess around with it too much.

What a brilliant resource this thread is.

If you can get memory from ADK you would be getting very high quality RAM.
Scott is the one I remember who spoke about Crucial, but things change from month to month. You know you can go to the site of the RAM you want and use their configuration tool to get what you want or need. I say this because the MOBO sites are always out of date. RAM speed is not a big deal when it comes to audio, graphics is another story. The x79 boards require low voltage RAM, don't know if the same holds true for X99 boards, maybe because they're four channel instead of the usual
two channel RAM boards.

ASUS publishes a qualified vendors list (QVL) with specific mfgr product numbers that they have tested with their boards. You will want to check that.

It doesn't necessarily mean that vendors/parts not listed won't be compatible; it just gives you confidence that the ones on the list WILL be.

Also, ASUS just released a firmware update for my board, the X99-A USB 3.1, to fix and/or support 16GB DIMMs. All of their X99 boards are related in different ways, so you might wanna check if the same applies to the X99-PRO.

Don't know if anyone's interested but thought I would share. for those looking to get
a rackmount case, there's a place in New Jersey called Par-Metal that has them. That
in itself isn't a big deal but, they have 5 unit cases! Another thing is you can get a 3
or 4 unit PC case from them or have them build you one. You do the lay out for the
sides you want to have work done on, email it to them and they take a bare case
from stock, or build one and do all the work on it for you. The reason I'm getting a 5
unit case done is I want room to use 140mm fans uo front and be able to use a large
CPU cooler (Notua NH-D14 or 15). The only problem I'm having is with the Manager/
Owner/Engineer/on and on. John apparently does just abut everything and is a bit
difficult to work with because of his language deficit or accent, I think he's Asian, he
also won't do or make any kind of contractual deals that include work
to be done. So you have to iron out all details through email and/or phone and you
end up with an invoice. The good thing though is his prices are very reasonable. he
doesn't seem to have layouts for the back of the case so I had a 4unit case that I was
able to easily unscrew and detach, that I will either send to him to install or wait till it
gets here and do my own work. He apparently doesn't weld or tig weld, so I might
have him install my part and then get the top of that side tig weded to the remaining
1.75" of the back of the case. I could have also given iStar a call and bought a back side
for $10 to $15. What I'm referring to about the back is a side that has the power
supply, MOBO I/O and card slot I/O cut outs. When I get it home i'll have about
$150 into it.

Intel c612 vs x99 using a Xeon processor. I'll be doing audio, video and photo on this workstation I'm pretty sold on a c612, 6 core Xeon with 2 quadro m4000 gpus but still curious of opinions you may have on this. For now I'm starting with one m4000 once they release and is why I'm not doing one m5000.

I bought a 1U case from them for a project some years ago. A bit expensive, but very good quality.

Pete

OK, so I'm playing with building a studio PC for Sequoia 11 and Pro Tools 11 work, instead of bootcamping a Mac Pro. This is really the first time I've put a computer together, so I hope you might have some interesting feedback:

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-X99-UD7 WIFI, Socket 2011-3
CPU: Intel Core i7-5960X Extreme (or 5930K if I cheap out ), LGA2011-3
Graphics: EVGA GeForce GTX 750Ti 2GB PhysX CUDA
Thunderbolt: Gigabyte Thunderbolt 2 add-in card
PSU: Corsair RM850, 850W PSU Gold
Case: Fractal Design Define R5 Titanium
OS Drive: Samsung SSD 850PRO 128 GB
Audio drive: Samsung SSD 850 Evo 500 GB
RAM: Crucial DDR3 Ballistix Tactical 32GB KIT (4x8 GB)
Cooling: Torn between Corsair H105 watercooler and Noctua NH-D9DX i4 CPU fan cooler

I will have the computer in a room next to the studio and run a Thunderbolt Cable to the studio where a TB dock gives me USB, HDMI, FireWire et cetera. That way there are no fans in the studio.