AMD Athlon-64 X2/Asus A8V

[Transputer]

http://www.informationarchitecture.it/cubasetest/results.php?order=performance

and
http://www.moar.net/cubasetest/history.shtml

Performance Test for Cubase SX Systems may help you some.

Cheers

 

[Executioner213]

So...it seems that research says.....

Dual chip is better (assuming the cache is high)
2 gig's of ram is better

correct?

 

[Paul Steen]

So...it seems that research says.....

Dual chip is better (assuming the cache is high)
2 gig's of ram is better

correct?

Yes, from what I understand if you go with 1mb cache or more you will do fine.

 

[SPLASTiK]

http://www.sweetwater.com/creation_station/tower.php

Anyone think this is a half-way decent deal? Suggestions on something better?

You could probably build one cheaper if you know how. If you don't, it's really simple and straight forward actually.
And I don't think that has Firewire ports.

Usually I've found it best to buy a Motherboard/Case barebones (sometimes with CPU) and then buy all the rest seperately and build.
I'll agree with the user who suggested Newegg. Probably the best online retailer.

 

[J the TyranT]

Yeah, Newegg.

Dualcore Opterons... Athlons dont have as high a cache... why everyone's using them over Athlons is beyond me, cuz the Optys arent really much more $$$... Go to newegg.com and shop your parts and put a build together.

 

[Executioner213]

Opteron 165 if you want an x9 multiplier, or an Opty 170 if you want an x10.

Don't get the X2. Optys have 1mb cache per core, are less money, and overclock like the ballz. A well known guitar author buddy of mine just built a new DAW around the Opty 170 and the A8N-E and right off the bat with a mild overclock he was Prime95 stable at 2.5Ghz per core.

ASUS decks are primo. I like the A8N-E board quite a bit - rock stable, solid deck. Can't go wrong.

so....this combo right here then?

Motherboard:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1645240&CatId=1569

Chip:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1649749&CatId=2040
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1649749&CatId=2040

 

[EtherForBreakfast]

No.

Mobo:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131530

CPU:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103588

That 165 will do 2.4Ghz per core all day long.

For RAM get 2 1GB sticks so you can still run at 1T and try to get the tighest memory timings you can afford.

If you are paranoid about overclocking, *still* get the 165 and just gently bump it up to Opty170 spec (2ghz per core).

That A8N 32 SLI Deluxe is WAY more than you need. Do you plan on running SLI so you can play your Doom 5 while attacking planet Gorgon and getting your Magic Douchebag Super Warrior up to jedi level 9 with the armor piercing bullets and the jockstrap of gold? I didn't think so...

 

[Executioner213]

Ok...so, that seems to clear things up a little. I was also confused as to why the mobo I posted didn't say anything about Opteron compatability, but I kinda just assumed maybe it would be fine. I'm just trying to build a badass machine that will give me next to no trouble for my recording needs and under $1k (with the chip/board you posted, and the other crap I'm looking at, I'm looking at $875, which is good)

The memory I was looking at is here:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1491882

Also, here's the hard drive I was looking at:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1197385&CatId=139

The rest is just extra fans, which I don't even know if I need em yet.

 

[EtherForBreakfast]

I would not buy that "Ultra" memory. If you haul ass, you can get this stuff with a rebate, making it cheaper than the "Ultra".

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145575

That is some seriously pimp RAM, homie.

HDD, knock yourself out. I like western digital brand, personally, this drive specifically:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144701

16MB cache, sata2... pimp.

Stay away from Maxtor... and always wash your hands after going to the bathroom.