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1

I am a professional audio engineer and do a lot of high track count mixes. My current system is in its dying days and I am convinced I need a dual Xeon system. Mainly, I can't afford to have freezes, crashes etc..I will post the link to my part picker but I am very frustrated because most of the MB's I am interested in are not listed on part picker. Specifically, I would rather get into an older 2011 build with DDR3 and not all of the extra stuff I don't need. So the list is a forced one because everything is a generation ahead of what I am looking for. Nevertheless, here is the link http://pcpartpicker.com/user/jimmyboy7/saved/LF8v6h

Now I will answer the "questions"

• Budget. How much are you willing to spend? 2,000
• Where do you live (what country, don't post specific details), and what currency do you use? United States
• Is there a retailer you prefer? Not really
• Do you need or already have peripherals? (this can add to costs) No, I have dual monitors, Video card etc..
• What will you be using your Glorious computer for? Gaming? Rendering? Mix of both? Or is this a home media PC or SteamBox? No gaming, Pro Audio recording, editing, mixing and mastering. Maybe occasional video, but nothing extravagant
• Do you overclock or want to get into overclocking? No
• Do you plan on going for custom watercooling now, or in the future? Possibly
• Operating System. Do you need a new one? Yes, thinking about Win 8.1 but I already have 7 64 bit
• What application do you use to render? (very important) Pro Tool and/or Media Composer
• Do you render movies or just photoshop pictures, mostly audio but if video it would be through Media Composer or Sorenson Squeeze

Thanks for any and all help, I know this is a tall order but I don't have a huge budget right now and I really do not want to sell gear to afford more.

2

Using your pcpartpicker list as a guide it looks like you've got the right parts in mind.
Graphics as you say isn't a huge worry but i'd still put in a good, strong, basic graphics card in case you do a bit of visual editing (that chews resources).

One part i might suggest put a little money aside for is a good audio card, even though on-board audio has come from rags to riches in the last 10 years a lot of them still aren't 100%. I find with on-board audio, the "quite" points in most sound tracks have quite a bit of internal noise mainly due to the quality of components used, todays standards are good as far as components are concerned but audio nuts can honestly hear the difference.
Also finding a card that has the right features that suites your work load is another thing to keep in mind and not be suckered in by sales marketing.
Finding out which card sounds best is going to be the hard part. if you can listen to different setups your friends have and find out what they have.

8.1 is a little bit of a pain when you jump into it from Win7 but i don't see why not. you could always go dual boot from two drives so if by anychance something does go wrong with one of your OSs you won't be left stranded.

Water cooling wouldn't be a needed in a rig like this if you aren't OCing and have enough ventilation through your case.
I would also look around for some decently quite fans just to keep the noise level of your pc down.

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If I were you I would do something like this, if you have any questions and/or concerns feel free to ask. It should be noted that I let room for both a sound card or Windows 8.1 if you want it and it should be completely silent.

The Build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/m3qtdC

4

I take it you've already looked into toughbooks?