Opinions on new system

Ben  wrote on 8/28/2004, 7:44 AM
[I've posted this in the Vegas Audio forum, would would really value any opinions any of you have on this as well. As far as I know, a system that works well with video should work well with audio too].

I'm currently in the process of thinking about upgrading my DAW. My current, slightly ageing, system is:

ASUS P4TE mobo with Intel Chipset
512 MB RDRAM
1.8 Ghz Pentium 4 (Northwood)
Radeon 7000 graphics card
IBM/Hitachi 80GB ATA-100 drive (system)
Maxtor 120GB running at ATA-100 (audio)
M-Audio Audiophile
Windows XP Pro

This was built myself, and has been upgraded over the years. My preference would be to build a new system from scratch, keeping the one above for office uses. However, I've seen a non-custom system on offer by UK company Mesh Computers, which theoretically looks like a pretty good deal, especially considering the inclusion on a Sony 19" TFT display. Here's the info:

http://www.meshcomputers.com/updated/elite_3.htm

I'd really appreciate your opinions on how you think this would perform as a DAW, particularly with Vegas. Obviously I'd immediately do a couple of tweaks, such as remove/disable the modem and soundcard and replace it with mine, add a second hard drive, etc.

I'm a little out of touch with the general consensus of what the latest and greatest is with regard to DAW systems. A couple of years ago the ASUS/Northwood combo was the one to go with. What's the current feeling on Pentiums and DAWs; which Pentium 4 model is the one to go with? I believe the Pentium with that Mesh system is a Prescott. I think I'm pretty inclined to stick with Intel systems, but would certainly welcome any opinions/info towards AMD.

Apologies for asking so many questions, and any info is much appreciated.

Thanks
Ben

Comments

Spot|DSE wrote on 8/28/2004, 10:06 AM
We're still building our own, but I'm impressed as heck with the BOXX systems for video and audio.
It's no longer like it used to be with the KT233/133 chipsets being audio problems. The Asus board is a very nice board still, and with a 3.06 or faster proc, you'll be happy. Duals don't really come into play as much as they could/should with Vegas, so I'd not worry about that. RAM and disc space/speed are the bigger issues. We're still SCSI on our studio system, and will likely be so for a few more years to come. Piping 30-40 channels of audio is slow, and add a few plugs in there, even with 2 UAD systems, can chug down anything. Having the SCSI assures smooth thruput.
Audio cards...We use the Delta 1010 in the studio, 3 of them lashed up. In our B room, we have 2 Echo Layla's, and in the 2 video systems, we have a 410 and a Mona. All are rock solid, sounding great. The 410 can't do 192/24 bit, but that's about the only limitation. We RARELY ever do 192 audio anyway. We're usually 24/48K on most things.
Hope this little bit helps?