I want to build a PC, Linux only, for music. Recording, editing, creation, VST plugins for synth (hardware synth as well), and mixing. I'll probably use someone else to master. I'd like to use a SDD for the UEFI bios, and boot, , and the hdd for swap and my /home directory (data). Opinions? I think this should be more than enough power, but I also don't want to upgrade every year either. May be using blender, and working with godot, unity, and/or unreal game engines as well. Some programming. Some video editing/creation perhaps. Some gaming (RPG and casual). The price should be somewhere between 1-2k. Keep in mind the price is contingent on spousal unit approval.
CPU:AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($159.88 @ OutletPC) CPU Cooler:Thermaltake Frio Silent 14 71.2 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ SuperBiiz) Motherboard:Asus TUF SABERTOOTH 990FX R3.0 ATX AM3+/AM3 Motherboard ($197.99 @ SuperBiiz) Memory:G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($109.99 @ Newegg) Storage:Sandisk SSD PLUS 480GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($124.64 @ Amazon) Storage:Hitachi Deskstar NAS 4TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($145.99 @ B&H) Video Card:XFX Radeon RX 480 8GB GTR Video Card ($266.98 @ B&H) Case:Thermaltake Chaser A31 Snow White ATX Mid Tower Case ($83.98 @ Newegg) Power Supply:Corsair RMx 1000W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($140.98 @ Newegg) Optical Drive:Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.80 @ OutletPC) Other: Ubuntu Studio (Purchased For $0.00) Other: Tracktion T7 DAW, Linux version (Purchased For $60.00) Total: $1344.22 Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-02-02 23:30 EST-0500 Thanks to StreetGuru, Dje4321, noenken, yoYoyo, GeNerator, thegal02 for suggestions. Everyone has been very helpful. I will save money and have a better build because of it! :) I'm Posting this "Final Build Version", so please pick it apart in case you see something I missed. I opted for a quieter fan that pushing the air towards the back exhaust. Changed the case, motherboard and memory also. The MOBO is a new ASUS, but there are those using it with gnu/linux using it already, so I'll be brave. I picked parts that would look sharp with the white and blue thing I have going. I really don't want something just because of the ascetics though. I have the money saved up for this, and may not get a chance to change it much in the future. I'm aiming for good reliable parts, and an upgradeable machine. BTW, I just use partpicker for help to keep the parts list, and posting. I wouldn't recommend using it alone to make hardware choices - research is the way to go.
UEFI is easy to use on Linux. Been using it for at least a few years. I am exclusively using Linux, so all my software runs on it. The only concern about using SSD is that on older drives constantly writing to them could cause them to fail. So I will consider your suggestion about using the HDD. Do you know if current SSD's suffer from the same malady?
I will probably use a debian, or ubuntu flavor. Both work just fine with UEFI. I've used Ubuntu with UEFI secure boot, and it also works well. Tracktion runs natively on Linux. I wish I could use Sonar artist on Linux also, but it's a Windows only program.
All ssds have a limted write amount. Though it has improved by alot it will still harm your drive. Is your workload going to need all 16GB of ram? if so get more. You can also turn down the swapiness of the swap if your are concerned about it
Won't get a better chip than an FX 8 core at about 4.5ghz though, though maybe stick to intel for single core performance or wait for Ryzen potentially
yes i would also absolutely suggest waiting for Ryzen It sounds like amd will offer some verry interesting multi-core options.
and even if you then decide to go for the FX-8350 it will probably be a lot cheaper when the new chips are out. (especially if you don't mind buying used)
so in any case you definitely have a lot to gain from waiting and all you can loose is some time If you can live with waiting for a month or two i would highly suggest to do so
@anon97550313 I'm using Ubuntu Studio right now and it kind of sucks for programming and xfce can sometimes be annoying, I personally suggest using ubuntu and getting the ubuntu studio programs. Or we can make a community Debian Studio version.
@Psalmist I know it's tempting to jump on the cheap prices of FX processors but wait for Ryzen. It's totally worth it. M.2, DDR4 and (potentially) new octa and hecta core processors are right on the Horizon, and the benchmarks look promising.
Good thoughts on Ryzen. I have bills I should pay first anyways. I'll see how everything is going when I am ready. I haven't heard about Linux compatibility with Ryzen. I just searched and found that Phoronix is on it, and will test when they can get there hands on one. Any thoughts?
For programming in Studio, just download the packages. There are so many languages available! If you need help let me know. For IDE's I use Code::Blocks, Jedit, and Ninja IDE. There are others too. Studio doesn't come with the programming packages, it's focused to music, video, and creative writing. Easy fix though. :)
Studio is awesome. I've have used it. The thing is though, all of those packages are also available with the main distros, so I really don't feel locked in to it. It is nice to have it all laid out for you though. As far as out of the box ready for music, I think this is the best. :) Thanks
Thanks everyone for Ryzen suggestions. I don't know if it is in the budget. I understand that it will drop the prices of current tech as well. As for stupid, it wouldn't be the first time. Helpful suggestions really work to help with good choices. I don't have a pressing need to buy right now, soon would be good. I can't really record with the laptop, which is all I have. The latency, overall speed, and slow disk access make it difficult. Especially when loading a VST plugin, or processor heavy functions.
Thanks Streetguru. A word for the wise. I can wait for a bit. As others have mentioned it will create price drops for other technology, even if I don't buy it. I will probably use a less expensive model, so I may stick to my config anyway. :)