6-core, no hyperthreading: i5 [3,6 GHz -> 4,3 Turbo]
6-core, 12 hyperthreading: i7 [3,7 GHz -> 4,7 Turbo]

Now not long ago daws were really affected (negatively by HT). What’s the situation nowdays? From various tests, in “Xeon vs i” case, people reported that highest core clock pretty much beats core count in audio processing.

Mainly my question is: did anyone tested these latest or at least prev-gen CPUs? i5 vs i7 or i7 HT vs i7 HT off in audio production?

I plan to make a small microatx rig and I’ll rather use the i5 if the speed increase brought by i7’s HT is minimal (less than 20%).

Ideas?

 

Last edited by a moderator: Apr 8, 2018

And another option will be available soon:
i9-8950HK

 

6 core around 4GHz is more than enough for audio production, since Intel makes Core i5 cpus 6-cores, then why not
BUT, also compare the cache capacities, meaning how much data can be effectively processed within buffer,
also some people consider ECC ram a must-have for professional production, and Core i series don't support those as far as I know

 

I want to dial down

By the way, this is the awesome custom build that inspires me: https://tekeverything.com/8700k-1080-mini-itx-build/

 

either one will yield good results my friend you are on the right track.

 

The error rate for non ECC is so ridiculously low in modern chips, I am not sure it matters anymore.

 

Intel i7 xxxx + 32GB RAM. It's enough.

The xxxxK model is useless if you don't need to overclock the cpu. Why the hell wasting money?

 

You have it backwards.

The larger the RAM capacity is (and thus, the smaller each cell is, which is what's important), the more chance that it can be randomly flipped by cosmic rays, quantum effects, etc. I mean, dude, even graphics cards VRAM uses ECC these days...

 

In this specific setup the i7 K can be pushed at 5GHz. PSU and the air cooling allow.

 

You’re right. I had it backwards. However, I do not run a cluster where a reboot due a critical bit error is imnensely critical. My computer may reboot a couple of times a year because of this, no biggie imho.

 

Last edited by a moderator: Apr 8, 2018

You are right, it does not.
To ECC or Not To ECC
https://blog.codinghorror.com/to-ecc-or-not-to-ecc/

 

Last edited: Apr 8, 2018

seeing how it's built....a big no from me^^

I was building a mini-ITX rig more than 4 years ago, picked up Node 304 case as it has probably most clever mini-ITX design and innards efficient layout - http://www.game-debate.com/blog/11511/my-mini-itx-node-304-pc-noctua-overhaul-pictures
anyway few years later I figured out I needed more PCIex slots, more cpu cores, more ram, more drives, so ended up with X99-based workstation beast :D