I'm Buying New Computer, moving from 32bit XP to 64bit Win7... Options

[Ivan Milenkovic]

I love computers. I've been into computer hardware and software since I was a child, and love to make my own configurations. Every computer is a direct reflection of a person who is using it, and I'm using mine for work mostly..

Rendering times are becoming unbearable for my outdated machine, which I purchased some 3 years ago (thanks to GMC). Here's the PC I bought then:

AMD 690G chipset (I don't use discrete GPU, I use integrated one)
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4000+ (upgraded to 6000+ 6 months ago)
2 GB of RAM (upgraded to 4GB 2 years ago)
250GB HD (upgraded to 550GB 2 years ago)
Cooler Master quiet and quality PSU
E-MU 1212m audio card (two PCI audio cards)

I also have great 500W UPS with battery, that saved me numerous times, smartest investment I had.

Some gamer would think of this computer as a very weak one, and for games it is, but I don't play games for some time now, and raw CPU power is what I need for video and audio production.

Since primarily for video rendering/coding/encoding/audio production I need more and more CPU power, I decided to get the best of the existing technology today, and have room for upgrades tomorrow.

Again, I decided for AMD platform. Although Intel has more power on the single core and better architecture at the moment, AMD is making processors with more cores, Phenom II X6 has 6 cores, and for video production even the strongest i7 quad core cannot match it. Hyperthreading is not important with video production, as all cycles are already spent on rendering anyway. SInce Premiere, AfterEffects and Vegas can use all 6 cores, it will be better to get something like that.

So, new configuration is (with a budget limitation of 600e) *drumrolls..*

AMD 970 chipset (no support for SLI/CF but I don't need that, supporting AM3+ socket for upcoming CPUs with 8 cores)
Discrete GPU unit (passive cooled Radeon HD6xxx series)
AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition (overclockers CPU, but I'll keep it on default settings)
2x4GB of RAM (1600)

one 64GB SSD drive (system drive for Win7, and all important audio and video applications)
one 300 GB drive (for audio files)
one 750 GB drive (for video files and bulky VST instruments)

This is the core of the system. I had some troubles finding a MOBO that has 2 PCI slots, they are becoming legacy, and my E-MU 1212m is serving me too well to trash it. It will have 4 USB3 slots and 2Firewire lines.

Again, good 550W PSU is a must, I took Cooler Master one with a big fan, and don't intend to use any stronger, because I don't want to use dual GPUs.

---------------

This all was little problem to get by, but the real problem will be transferring from 32bit to 64bit. I've heard lots of people had problems there, with drivers, then with working in Nuendo, using jBridge for all those great 32bit plugs that don't exist as 64bit..

Well, I'll let you know along the way how things will work out, this should be one hell of a ride. I hope it will all turn out well

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net

Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!