So I'm building a new PC for music production (Hardstyle/Hard Trance), and I have a few questions deciding on what CPU to use.
The current parts I picked are these:


**CPU** | [Intel Core i7-7700K 4.2GHz Quad-Core Processor](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/VKx9TW/intel-core-i7-7700k-42ghz-quad-core-processor-bx80677i77700k) | $338.89 @ OutletPC
**CPU Cooler** | [Thermaltake Water 3.0 Riing RGB 360 40.6 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/NqmxFT/thermaltake-cpu-cooler-clw108pl12swa) | $161.89 @ OutletPC
**Motherboard** | [ASRock Z170 Pro4S ATX LGA1151 Motherboard](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/fcqbt6/asrock-motherboard-z170pro4s) | $69.99 @ Newegg
**Memory** | [G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/4vWrxr/gskill-memory-f42400c15d16gvr) | $96.99 @ Newegg
**Storage** | [Sandisk SSD PLUS 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/8jH48d/sandisk-ssd-plus-240gb-25-solid-state-drive-sdssda-240g-g26) | $74.99 @ Best Buy
**Case** | [Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ATX Glass ATX Mid Tower Case](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/NRvZxr/phanteks-case-phes515etgbk) | $164.99 @ NCIX US
**Power Supply** | [Corsair 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/cWDzK8/corsair-power-supply-cp9020081na) | $139.99 @ Corsair

I was now wondering. Will I really benefit with having a K version instead of normaln i7-7700 ?
And also is watercooling really important for music production? I mean I won't be overcloaking the cpu.

Thanks for your input. If you have any other suggestions feel free!

 

I don't think that setup is suitable for hardstyle.

 

Not sure that watercooling is mandatory since you mentionned that you will not overclock the CPU.

On the storage side, if you don't plan to use any sample libs then the 240 GB SSD is fine, otherwise you might want to add another HD to this configuration.

Finally, the powersupply is a bit overkill but it will allow you to grow and add other stuff to this setup without problem.

 

K helps a little bit, if you have the budget. You can't overclock a non-K CPU. Water cooling is silent so it worth using it.

Actually it will keep the fan off most of the time so it worth to have a silent PC.

 

16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory]

I cant believe nobody has pulled you up on this yet.
You're spending all that money, and every drop of RAM would be used up on just 'one' instance of Omnisphere/ Keyscape Creative Library Duo Patch. I'm not saying you're going to use that but my point stands. You're spending a fair bit of money to skimp on the amount of memory you'll have. I suggest 64 GB RAM, even if it means going cheaper on one or two of the other items!

 

Such a quantity of RAM only makes sense if he's massively using some sample libs, typically in classic music but from his 1st post it doesn't look like it's his style of music.

So 16 GB will be fine if he only uses softsynth, make it 32 GB to be future proof for the next few years.

By the way my previous laptop only had 4 GB of RAM and I used Omnisphere... it was a PITA but it was possible to use it anyway. I'm not recommanding that he downgrades to 4 GB of course, it just reminded me of my own misery back then.

 

I know what you said, but Omnisphere has progressed a LONG way since the days of being able to use it with 4gb. Also, did you know just Three Instances of Spire's Supersaw for example would eat up 16gb of Ram? Whilst you could make do with it, why should you if you are spending money.

I know if it were me, I see it as buying an Audi R8 V10 Twin Turbo, and running it on very cheap engine oil. Sure it will work but the performance will never be as good as you'd expect.

 

Confirm if the INTEL cpu is updated with the new price cut http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/intel-cpu-prices-drop-ryzen-launch/

And if its possible check AMD new ryzen cpus, for example the 1700 model is an 8 core on a budget for the price of an intel i7 4 core cpu.

Regarding your questions, I've got the previous model i7 6700 non k and it works pretty well. The K version is slightly faster but IMHO not necessary.

Watercooling is a great option, for audio production it might be quieter indeed. I've bought for my build a Cryorig H7 (cool air coller and its cheap for the quality) and used two Cryorig fans in it, it works for me.
Cheers

 

Last edited: Feb 28, 2017