HELP ME BUILD MY COMPUTER

[tomyco]

I found a company called Purrrfect Audio who builds custom computers. I am not a tech person so I am out of my element when it comes to technology. So here's where you guys come in. I have enclosed what comes standard with a star, and below that the upgrades along with the price. There is also optional items I can include along with the price. The standard price is $1400.00.

Please note that I am a part time musician/songwriter. I had Pro Tools LE8 prior to this, I was able to make a decent recording but most of it was way over my head. I will also be using the computer for the internet, e-mail, Microsoft Office, photos, and itunes. I hoping this computer will last me at least 5 years. So is the standard package good enough for my use or would any of you add additional upgrades or optional items. As far as software I probably will be going with a simple program like Mixcraft 7. I will probably go with a moderate price interface. When I record it is usually just my guitar and vocal, there are times when I might do a third track with lead or bass along with a vocal and some background vocals.

I know there's a lot here below but I would appreciate all who responds. Thanks!

PURRRFECT AUDIO - $1,400.00


CASE
SILENT MID TOWER *
DELUXE SILENT TOWER + 40.00

POWER SUPPLY
600 W QUIET *
750 W QUIET + 40.00
850 W QUIET + 80.00

RAM
16 GB DDR3/1600 *
32 GB DDR3/1600 +125.00

HASWELL CPU
4790K @ 4.4 GHZ (8 THREADS ) *

OS DRIVE 2ND BURNER
500 GB HD * 24 X DVDW + 25.00
1 TB HD + 15.00 16 X BDR + 75.00
2 TB HD + 45.00
250 GB SSD + 95.00
500 GB SSD + 215.00
1 TB SSD + 425.00

AUDIO DRIVE
1 TB HD *
2 TB HD + 30.00
3 TB HD + 50.00
4 TB HD + 70.00

BURNER
24x DVD RW *
16x BDR + 64.00

VIDEO
HD 4600 *
HDS 450 1GB +30.00
R7 260X 1 GB +130.00
GTX 960 2 GB + 210.00

OPERATING SYSTEM
WINDOWS 8 X 64 or WINDOWS 10 X 64 *
WINDOWS 7 X 64 PRO + 40.00

AUDIO DRIVE
1 TB HD *
2 TB HD +30
3 TB HD + 50

OPTIONAL

SAMPLES DRIVE # 1
1 TB HD + 70.00
2 TB HD + 100.00

SAMPLES DRIVE # 2
1 TB HD + 70.00
2 TB HD + 100.00

2ND BURNER
24 X DVDW + 25.00
16 X BDR + 75.00

THANKS AGAIN !

[mikemichnya]

I'm not a tech guy either, but the standard system with the components you've selected looks like it will more do the job. The advice I've heard in the past is to buy the most RAM and fastest processor and hard drive (7200 rpm at least) that you can afford, but from what you said you'll record in your post, it doesn't look like you're going to need that powerful a system. From what I've read recently, almost any off the rack computer would be sufficient for simple four track recordings...

Another thing to consider is the company you're buying from. I bought a Rain Solstice computer in 2009. It's a great system, and I'm still using it, so I've more than got my money's worth, but Rain closed about three years ago, and were in business only 12-13 years. I've never heard of Purrrfect Audio, so I'd check to see how long they've been in business. If they fold, you won't have any tech support from them down the road.

Finally, all the other things that you mentioned using the computer for will only get in the way of the music. It might not matter so much if you're only doing guitar/vocal recordings or even a few more tracks, but if you're planning to upgrade and use any virtual instruments or start adding lots of tracks, instead of spending the cash to upgrade to any of those extras, it might be more cost effect to go with a more basic system (the one you're considering is now on sale for $1300, and the next one down is only $1049 or you could get an Apple mini bundle - complete with interface, mics, and more - from Musician's Friend for about $900... hmm, I might have to consider that myself ) and spend the extra cash on an inexpensive laptop that you can use for everything else.

Good luck with it, whatever you decide!