#1681846 - 06/13/05 10:54 AM
Just built a new computer
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Mike Martin
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Registered: 01/10/01
Posts: 1107
Loc: Naperville, Ilinois
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So after much research and debate, I built a new computer DAW. Thought I've heard some people claim otherwise, I went with a nForce3 based motherboard because I've read to many horror stories about the new nFORCE4 boards that use the PCI-E video cards. Since I was on a budget, keeping my existing AGP video card was also a consideration.
Motherboard -
MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum Though I've had good success with Gigabyte in the past, I went with MSI this time. This particular board has a good reputation and now that I'm running it I can see why.
I got an AMD 64 3200+. I'm on a budget this was a considerable step up from my last machine. This motherboard will go up to the FX series CPU's so in a year if I want to upgrade I have room to grow.
Antec P160 case This case is fantastic. Its roomy, easy to work with and well built.
One of my goals was to build a very quiet computer. I can't stand fan noise. So I got the Zalman CNPS7000 CPU Fan. and also a Seasonic Super Silencer 400w Power Supply which is dead quiet.
I also got a Western Digital SATA 250gig drive, moved my DVD drives over from my old computer. I also bought 1gig of Corsair RAM, but will likely add another gig of RAM soon.
So far this system is rock solid, extremely quiet and runs very, very, cool. I've disconnected the large fan that runs in the back of the case and my system temps are still below 40 celcius while under a load.
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#1681847 - 06/13/05 12:38 PM
Re: Just built a new computer
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KenElevenShadows
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Registered: 12/20/00
Posts: 8586
Loc: Los Angeles,CA,UNITED STATES
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I so greatly admire people who can actually build their own computers!! I hope it works super well and lasts for fifteen years!! 
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#1681849 - 06/13/05 02:04 PM
Re: Just built a new computer
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Murphman
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Registered: 02/04/03
Posts: 67
Loc: Chicago, IL
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Fine job, Mike! If you need me to help you work out the recording kinks, just let me know... I'll bring the beverages!
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#1681850 - 06/13/05 02:07 PM
Re: Just built a new computer
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TBush
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Registered: 02/10/02
Posts: 186
Loc: Syracuse,IN,UNITED STATES
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Cool rig Mike- sounds like it'll rock for years! What is your main recording software?
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#1681851 - 06/13/05 02:32 PM
Re: Just built a new computer
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Mike Martin
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Registered: 01/10/01
Posts: 1107
Loc: Naperville, Ilinois
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I'll primarily be using Cubase SX 3. I'm one of those abandonned Logic users on the PC side, but it looks like I've found a home with Cubase SX 3.
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#1681852 - 06/13/05 03:05 PM
Re: Just built a new computer
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bjorked
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Registered: 10/07/04
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Sounds nice except... (I hate to rain on your parade but...) I really dislike western digital hard drives. I have had countless HDDs from W.D. fail on me and never one from any other manufacturer. All I can say is to make sure that you back up obsessively (which you really should do despite the manufacturer of your storage anyway). Good luck and happy recording!
mike
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#1681853 - 06/13/05 03:06 PM
Re: Just built a new computer
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Mike Martin
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Registered: 01/10/01
Posts: 1107
Loc: Naperville, Ilinois
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 I've had better luck from WD than anything else. I'll keep my fingers crossed though.
Thanks
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#1681854 - 06/13/05 03:09 PM
Re: Just built a new computer
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Dak Lander
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Registered: 01/10/02
Posts: 7716
Loc: Temecula, LoCal, USA
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Originally posted by bjorked:
I really dislike western digital hard drives. I have had countless HDDs from W.D. fail on me and never one from any other manufacturer.
mike
I've had more problems with Maxtor and Seagate in the past.
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#1681855 - 06/13/05 03:37 PM
Re: Just built a new computer
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Philip O'Keefe
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Loc: Riverside,CA,UNITED STATES
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Good for you Mike! What socket does your new mobo use?
Those Zalman CPU coolers are the only way to go IMO... unless you want to hassle with a water pumper. My Zalman has been great for me. It's efficient and cools great - even with some overclocking going on, and it's really quiet. I love it!
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#1681856 - 06/13/05 04:05 PM
Re: Just built a new computer
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(RhythmInMind)
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Registered: 07/01/04
Posts: 625
Loc: Santa Monica
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i just built one similar, a K8N 64 3400+. it's been great... i recommend using the AI features with the chip. good luck..
_________________________
"I saw one the other day with an impressive number of knobs to twist - I
have no idea what they do." -undisclosed forum member
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#1681858 - 06/13/05 04:36 PM
Re: Just built a new computer
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Philip O'Keefe
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Smart move. I wish I had a 939... as it is, my next CPU upgrade (from my current Athlon 64 3400) will require a mobo upgrade too. 
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#1681859 - 06/13/05 04:52 PM
Re: Just built a new computer
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Robman2
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Registered: 02/19/04
Posts: 1994
Loc: Los Angeles
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Is that fan actually silent?
Or is it, sort of quiet?
Just curious.
I just loaded Samplitude into my latest machine, yesterday.
I'm having a few issues with midi on the RME, but I have the Hosa, USM-422 and that loaded without drivers for XP for MIDI that way.
Oh and I bought a 32G and 72G, WD 10,000 RPM Raptor drive, one for the OS and Platform software, the other for Audio and Video only.
R
_________________________
Label on the reverb, inside 1973 Ampeg G-212: "Folded Line Reverberation Unit" Manufactured by beautiful girls in Milton WIS. under controlled atmosphere conditions.
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#1681860 - 06/13/05 05:04 PM
Re: Just built a new computer
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Philip O'Keefe
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It's rated at about 25 dB radiated noise level when running at full speed (2,500 RPM). It also comes with a manual varispeed control, and can be automatically speed adjusted by your mobo as temps / cooling needs dictate, assuming your mobo supports that feature. I run mine flat out (full speed), and it's still the quietest CPU fan I've ever owned.
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#1681861 - 06/13/05 05:05 PM
Re: Just built a new computer
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Mike Martin
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Registered: 01/10/01
Posts: 1107
Loc: Naperville, Ilinois
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The Zalman CPU fans are barely audible. This motherboard has a "Cool and Quiet" feature. It keeps the fans (CPU and Northbridge fan) running at their lowest speed neccessary to keep the PC at the desired temp.
The Power Supply I bought is not audible. That thing is incredible.
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#1681862 - 06/13/05 05:09 PM
Re: Just built a new computer
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Philip O'Keefe
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I'll have to look into that power supply. Do you have a link Mike? And BTW, how much did it cost?
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#1681863 - 06/13/05 05:10 PM
Re: Just built a new computer
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Philip O'Keefe
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Oops, I see you already linked to the PS. Thanks Mike. Please ignore my "link" request. 
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#1681864 - 06/13/05 06:26 PM
Re: Just built a new computer
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Mike Martin
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Loc: Naperville, Ilinois
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Originally posted by Philip O'Keefe:
I'll have to look into that power supply. Do you have a link Mike? And BTW, how much did it cost?
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#1681865 - 06/13/05 06:31 PM
Re: Just built a new computer
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Mike Martin
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Registered: 01/10/01
Posts: 1107
Loc: Naperville, Ilinois
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I did a lot of research here before I bought.
http://www.silentpcreview.com/
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#1681866 - 06/13/05 09:10 PM
Re: Just built a new computer
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TBush
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Registered: 02/10/02
Posts: 186
Loc: Syracuse,IN,UNITED STATES
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Originally posted by Mike Martin:
I'll primarily be using Cubase SX 3. I'm one of those abandonned Logic users on the PC side, but it looks like I've found a home with Cubase SX 3.
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#1681867 - 06/14/05 06:39 AM
Re: Just built a new computer
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seclusion
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Registered: 04/11/01
Posts: 612
Loc: Orillia, CANADA
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Might be good to stick with Intel for a bit...
http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/ubb/get_topic/f/1/t/025116.html
I too am a Logic PC user, maybe there's hope yet!!
That would be cool. I would update to Logic 7.1 Pro in a heartbeat if I could build my own PC and run OSX on her! I was considering the AMD 3500+ on a 939 board but I may sway back to a P4 3gig or higher just for the possibility to run OSX in the future! Or do you guys think they'll make their own PC specifically for OSX??
For me I may just wait a month, my P3's are still chugging along!
_________________________
Smile if you're not wearin panties.
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#1681868 - 06/14/05 05:04 PM
Re: Just built a new computer
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RaGe
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Registered: 04/26/01
Posts: 786
Loc: 16°14 N 61°32 W
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Mike, I am insterested in hearing your thoughts about what you miss from Logic. I have been a Cubase and Nuendo user for ever and I keep bumping into people who can't shut up (literraly) about how great Logic is esp. for the composer.
I am not considering a switch but I'm just curious.
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#1681870 - 06/15/05 07:10 AM
Re: Just built a new computer
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seclusion
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Registered: 04/11/01
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Loc: Orillia, CANADA
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Cool, thanks...
I wonderonce I upgrade my systems if one of my ol' P3's could run OSX??
Later
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Smile if you're not wearin panties.
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#1681871 - 06/15/05 08:37 AM
Re: Just built a new computer
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Mike Martin
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Registered: 01/10/01
Posts: 1107
Loc: Naperville, Ilinois
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Originally posted by RaGe:
Mike, I am insterested in hearing your thoughts about what you miss from Logic. I have been a Cubase and Nuendo user for ever and I keep bumping into people who can't shut up (literraly) about how great Logic is esp. for the composer.
I am not considering a switch but I'm just curious.
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#1681872 - 06/15/05 12:44 PM
Re: Just built a new computer
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RaGe
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Registered: 04/26/01
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Loc: 16°14 N 61°32 W
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