I have built a computer only once in my life, it was a cheap one and still took quite a long time to build, then it wouldn't work because the internal power switch cable was not correctly on all three pins... noticed that after two weeks of wondering. Ideally I'd like to see myself building my own computer but on the other hand I could get all parts (of the below list) in a German shop which only charges 20€ for building it for me, so I'm considering that. Do you think there is any reason why having a DAW computer built by a general computer shop might be a bad choice?
I currently have this shopping list:
CPU: Intel Core i7-2600K Box, LGA1155
Heatsink: Scythe Mugen 3
Motherboard: ASUS P8Z77-M, Sockel 1155, mATX, DDR3
RAM: 16GB-Kit G.Skill RipJawsZ C3-14900U CL9-10-9-28 (DDR3-1866)
GPU: Onboard (Intel HD Graphics 3000)
SSD for OS: Crucial M4 64GB SSD 6,4cm (2,5")
SSD for most often used samples: Crucial M4 128GB SSD 6,4cm (2,5")
HDD for samples: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 7200rpm (the sample libraries will be delivered on this)
HDD for projects: Hitachi Deskstar 7K3000 2TB, SATA 6Gb/s 8,9cm (3,5")
Case: Fractal Design Define Mini
PSU: Seasonic X-Series Fanless X-400FL 400W
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-Bit OEM
- CPU: The Ivy Bridge is already out, I know, but I've read conflicting reports about its usability in DAW, so Sandy Bridge i7 seems to be the safe option.
- Heatsink: Is there any reason to prefer Noctua D14 or C14 and spend 30€ more than for Scythe Mugen 3?
- Motherboard: Is there any good reason to spend 60€ more for a P8Z77-V board?
- RAM: I also considered 32GB, but there is some conflicting information on whether it would be any use to me. I might as well buy it later if needed. The G.Skill RAM was mentioned on another forum as a good brand.
- GPU: If using onboard graphics makes the system slower, I could consider a separate GPU, but as for now it seems that this would do quite OK.
- SSD: I wonder if 64GB will be enough for the OS and the programs? Perhaps I should take 128GB?
- HDD: 7200rpm seems to be needed for DAW use. What's your take on WD Caviar and Hitachi?
- Case: Is there any downside to using mATX case for such a powerful system? Is the Define Mini in any way inferior to Define R3? Are there good reasons to take Antec P183 instead of Fractal Design?
- PSU: Will 400W be enough for my large orchestral sample projects?