EggXpert

Hey All - I'm brand new to this forum as well as computer building so I figured I would post a question I've been ruminating over ini hope for some direction.

 I am in the process of learning about building computers to build myself an audio workstation. I felt that it was prudent to start with the backbone of the system so the motherboard is my first task.  I think that I've narrowed it down to two units:

1. Asus - ASUS P6T WS PRO LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Core i7 

2. Tyan - TYAN S7010AGM2NRF Dual LGA 1366 Intel 5520 SSI EEB Dual Intel Xeon 5500 Series Server Motherboard 

I determined that I want to use a beefy motherboard hence the workstation/server units. I've read that audio recording and processing is more ram intensive, which further solidified my idea about a ws/server board. The Tyan offers some flexibility to run either a Xenon or i7 processors which may perhaps make it more usable into the future as DAW software is developed for Windows 7.

 Ideas, suggestions or concerns? - thanks ahead of time.

 -Philip 

Actually audio recording is not processor intensive.  Frankly neither is audio processing.  You can buy a lot of computer power, but remember most audio engineers want QUIET.  Either completely silent or near silent computer.  Big fans to cool dual procs really don't lend themselves to that.

 Further are you doing this to record bands/ orchestras?  Live converts?  Or just you at home?

Usually a DAW starts with the recording interface (for example or for example) you plan on using and consideration of the audio recording/editing apps. suggested/ optimal requirements (for example).  Then you build a system.

Additionally some engineers like keyboards with a lot of macros to assign functions. Multiple backup HDDs.  And either studio monitors and/or a great set of uncolored headphones.

edit:  assuming you want a home recording/ editing station for your own music be sure to consider the incredible Audacity app (free) and the Delta 44 linked above.   

Some more food for thought:

Hardware wise, don't go out of your way buying the latest and greatest processor / MB for a DAW.  You would be fine with a Core 2 Quad and a MB like an ASUS P5Q PRO Turbo or something similar.

Use the money you save on more important hardware aspects of a DAW: Sound Card (M Audio is a good start), Quality Hard Drives (Fast Seek, Big Cache, RAIDing them and keeping the OS and apps on their own physical drive (SO IMPORTANT), a good MB with plenty of SATA ports and RAID capability (oh like the one I have and suggested above), MonitorS (yes do get yourself a dual monitor setup for a DAW - it is priceless), Studio Monitors (you don't have to go overboard here, but make sure you get something you will be able to accurately master the production on), Mic preamp, Mixer, etc, and most importantly THE SOFTWARE.

Video Card - Blah.....  Get the cheapest PCIx you can find (supporting dual DVI out).  The only reason I avoid on board video is to not share RAM.  So here you can direct your savings on the more important aspects of the DAW.

OS considerations - make sure whatever software you choose to run works on the OS you intend to run it on.  For example Cakewalk Home Studio 7 XL doesn't run (well it DOES but not supposed to (and has issues with) in a 64 OS.  It does, however seem to be working fine in XP, Vista, and 7 (32 bit versions).  So also, wiser use of money here is OS choice.

RAM - Go ahead and just start with a 4 GB kit.  Yeah, so you will only be able to address 3.25 or whatever for now (if you end up running a 32 OS).  If  you do get an app that supports a 64 bit OS (like Sonar 8 Producer or Studio), 4GB will still be plenty, but if you want, more RAM never hurt anyone (and it is cheap).  I run 4GB (FYI).

Run it Lean and Mean - This means, if you're building a DAW, make it a DAW - not a DAW / Game System / Internet Browser (that you install every active x known to man on) / Business PC / School Computer / Nuclear Power Process Control Network Data Historian Server.  Install the OS, the OS Updates, a LIGHT A/V program (like AVG Free) and your DAW software (and anything else related to the DAW).  The less fat your OS, the better).

Hope this helps some more.