Braintrust: Which One To Get?

Discussion in 'Computer Hardware' started by Lois Lane, Apr 16, 2023.

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  1. Lois Lane

    Lois Lane Audiosexual

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    After about 11 years it's finally time to get a new desktop to replace my in most probability dying current 3700K model. I'm not doing graphic design and maybe use Adobe Photoshop 5 a couple of times a year, need use only one monitor, although I use a few Kontakt libraries Kontakt is not a thing with me but a very high priority for me is that the computer be very quiet as I track in the same room as the machine.

    I've really not the chops nor the inclination to build it myself so I've found a company in the Basel region to configure one for me. Which of these machines is just right without overkill for my needs? And as always...thanks for taking the time.

    https://www.steg-electronics.ch/de/product/beck-pc-i760-audio-25027051

    https://www.steg-electronics.ch/de/product/beck-pc-i950-audio-25034541

    https://www.steg-electronics.ch/de/product/beck-pc-a760-audio-28678062

    Their blurb at the bottom of the build description is as follows for extra reading credit:mates:

    BECK PC
    The powerful audio PC, specially preconfigured for sound processing


    • The best mix of CPU cores and highest clock
    • Shielded onboard sound
    • Mainboard with the lowest hardware noise
    • Additional Thunderbolt expansion possible
    • Pre-configured for the quietest operation
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    DESCRIPTION
    SPECIFICATION OF THE CONFIGURATOR PRODUCT:

    Processor: Intel Core i7-13700K - max 5.40GHz - 16C(8P+8E)/24T
    Processor cooler: Air: Noctua NH-D15S
    Random access memory: 32GB DDR4-3600 - 2x 16GB - Kingston Fury Beast - black
    motherboard: MSI Pro Z790-A WIFI DDR4 - 8xUSB(1xUSB-C) - 2.5G LAN - HDMI/DP - WiFi + BT
    Graphics card(s): Intel UHD 770 - onboard graphics - connections see mainboard
    sound card: 7.1 HD onboard sound card
    Hard disk: 1TB - m.2 SSD - NVMe PCIe4 - WD BLACK SN850X
    Additional hard drive: 1TB - m.2 NVMe Gen3 - Samsung 980
    Improved system cooling: SuperSilent: be quiet! Silent Wings 4 PWM
    Power adapter: 650W - 80+ Platinum - Seasonic Focus PX - silent (semi-passive)
    Housing: Fractal Design Define 7 - silenced - 1xLW shaft
    Language: German
    Operating system: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro - DE/64Bit/OEM (license, installation, drivers + updates)
    assembly: including professional cabling
    Updates and settings: including bios updates and optimizations
    Guarantee: 3-year BECK PC guarantee incl. 2-year pickup & return, then 1-year bring-in
    The BECK PC advantage
    • Advice and service from experts
      Top service and advice are among our top priorities. Benefit from our in-depth expert knowledge.
    • All components are pre-selected and compatible with each other
      No matter what you decide, the components are hand-picked and always fit together.
    • Installed on the latest update status and without "bloatware"
      We always install the latest BIOS update. With Windows also all drivers and updates, but no bloatware. You can get started with your new BECK PC as soon as you receive it!
    • Professionally assembled and tested
      All BECK PCs are manufactured and wired by professionals. And immediately subjected to an extensive test with a 24-hour stress test. Your BECK PC will only be shipped if the result is perfect.
    • 3-year BECK PC guarantee
      All BECK PCs have a 3-year guarantee. This includes 2 years of free Pickup & Return service and then 1 year of "Bring-in". Pickup & Return means: In the event of a warranty claim, your BECK PC will be picked up and returned free of charge. With "Bring-in" you send us the PC or bring it to us and we will deliver it back after the repair free of charge. The STEG Electronics branch network is also available to them. Here you can also hand in your BECK PC for forwarding or have it repaired on site. The BECK PC guarantee can be extended to up to 4 years in the configurator.
     
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  3. boomoperator

    boomoperator Rock Star

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    If an onboard GPU shares system RAM, I'd choose a dedicated GPU. The 3rd option has a 0dB passive GPU. That's nice.
    - Do the Mainboards they list only have two M2 slots? Is that enough for you??
    - Personally wouldn't buy the very latest of products, I'd like them to have at least half a year of driver development.
     
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  4. Sylenth.Will.Fall

    Sylenth.Will.Fall Audiosexual

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    I specialise more in updating old machines to run newer software, as opposed to knowing much about full builds. 2 things I would consider on this new build you're going for though is 1) as @boomoperator said, a 0db passive GPU will serve you well (Providing you make sure it has the correct connection to your monitor) as software companies are upping their graphics all the time (and 2) More importantly, a 1TB hard drive will soon fill up. maybe get one 1TB and one 4TB

    I partition my drives as follows:-

    400gb For Windows
    350gb for external music
    81.9gb Samples and Documents
    2.03tb Libraries
    1.60tb Games and Downloads
    98.4gb Ableton Live Projects

    And then I have an external caddy with ALSO a 1TB and 4TB drive as backup. I know you wont need it for games, but as you can see. only just over 1TB is used for games, and I have very nearly filled up all drives.
     
    Last edited: Apr 17, 2023
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  5. clone

    clone Audiosexual

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    The secondary ssd is too small. But the rest looks fine. I will add though, that over the course of my years experience with this IT stuff; the absolute worst "problematic" machines I have ever encountered (owned by other ppl) have 100% of the time been Custom Built machines from companies like the one you are considering buying this from. With "purpose specific builds" like audio/graphics productions taking the cake being the absolute worst. Do careful research about the builder; a warranty doesn't matter if they fold up shop and go out of business.
     
    Last edited: Apr 17, 2023
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  6. Lois Lane

    Lois Lane Audiosexual

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    Thanks all, now I'm a bit passimistic about going this route. I wish that I could build one myself but can't. The three big things that I'm grateful for taking away from your posts is making sure that there's more than enough memory, more than two M2 slots and to have a dedicated 0dB GPU and the correct connections to my monitor.

    I'm grateful for your inputs. Thanks again.
     
  7. itisntreal

    itisntreal Member

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    I dont know where u from but here in the netherlands we have a company where u can select your own components and let them build your system www.azerty.nl
     
  8. Sylenth.Will.Fall

    Sylenth.Will.Fall Audiosexual

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    You're very welcome..
     
  9. Lois Lane

    Lois Lane Audiosexual

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    That's a good idea, thanks. I'll take a look and see if there too is here in Switzerland that great service. Seems as if the price is right.

    I just rewired my room as I've added some hardware synths and am now using an RME UCX II, and my aching old 3770K is no longer playing nice with my DAW and dropping the sound output from the software side and strangely disabling the transport. It's really strange. The same setup on a laptop runs flawlessly on WIN 10. The desktop is Win 8, not even 8.1 so it might be a rare incompatibility issue with the driver. It's RME after all and I had great usage with my 2012 Babyface. WIN 8 is probably the killer.
     
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