|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 1
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 1 |
I'm approaching the point where I'll require an upgraded Windows desktop. Due to specific requirements related to disk drives and USB ports, it seems that opting for a gaming PC would be the most suitable choice, even though I don't necessarily need high-end graphics. Additionally, I'm currently inclined towards selecting either an Intel i7 or i9 processor.
I'm interested in hearing about anyone's experiences that might suggest I should consider leaning towards an AMD processor instead. Price is not a significant concern for me. My primary focus is on multi-tasking performance, long-term reliability, and cooler core temperatures.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,601
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,601 |
Couple of thoughts:
First, welcome to the forum.
I have always (since 1983) built my own computers until the most recent one, and always used Intel chips. This dates to well before there were some small incompatibilities between software and the AMD chips. Those incompatibilities appear to be long past.
To choose a CPU between an i7 and an i9 depends on the rest of the specs, since some i7s (and even i5s) can be faster than the slower i9s.
When comparing equal speed CPUs, go for the one with more memory cache. Then look for more cores.
For BIAB only, graphics (either integrated in the CPU or an add-on card) does not matter at all. In general, except for graphics, you are on the right track to consider a gaming rig for digital audio. Since I don't do gaming and don't need good graphics, I like the Intel chips with integrated graphics. Graphics cards these days are very expensive and are generally noisy, which I can't stand in a digital audio rig.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,640
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,640 |
FWIW I have used AMD for about a decade.
Never had a problem, but be aware some of their processors do not have graphics capability, and for me a basic graphics card with a couple HDMI outs has been fine.
I think I spent $30 - $40 and no fan/ no noise.
When I bought my current AMD processor, it was the correct choice, but Intel & AMD trade places every other day for whose is 'better' in a given situation. Most any decent processor will run audio.
Matt mentioned count the cores, I'll mention to also count the threads.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,944
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,944 |
if price isn't a concern....
Yes indeed. A gaming computer with Intel i7 or higher would certainly do the job. I'd look into the dual or triple monitor capability as well.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,783
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,783 |
I'll also give a warm welcome to the forum. I've been an Intel guy from day 1 and have had no CPU problems. My i5 machine had plenty of horsepower to run BiaB, my DAW and other audio programs no problem, so you can't go wrong with an i7 or i9. Make sure you buy enough disk space and memory for future needs as program updates will require increasing amounts of both. I recently upgraded my machine and had an intermittent audio noise and crackle issue that took 10 forum pages and weeks to solve. https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=763599&page=1The 2 lessons here are 1) minimize/eliminate the crapware on your system as much as possible 2) there are lots of experienced people here willing to help when problems arise if you articulate the problem and engage with the respondents
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,601
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,601 |
Yes, that thread by BassThumper had us working overtime, but we solved it (as well as a bunch of potential problems you didn’t have).
And to Lucius the OP, it’s probably helpful for you to know we are mostly fellow users on this forum. Occasionally a PG Music staffer jumps in and they are clearly identified in their signature.
Did you buy BIAB?
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,368
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,368 |
"that thread by BassThumper had us working overtime" LOL
LuciusThorne,
Given:
"Price is not a significant concern for me."
"I don't necessarily need high-end graphics."
In my opinion, a good choice would be Intel Core i9 minimum "10900k" processor system. Preferably, it should have at least two USB-C 3.2 ports - they are fast and also allow for Video out, similar to hdmi. And a fast SSD / nvme drive., Samsung 980 pro or similar.
If you have or planning to get Audiophile version of BIAB, that you want to run from internal drive, you might want to consider a separate 4tb SSD.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,018
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,018 |
Wow, sounds straight from Chatgpt. Am I right? 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732 |
For most folks that have used PCs for years, they've settled on what they like as far as AMD vs. Intel. Each has it's pluses and minuses it's really just a matter of what you like. You really can't go wrong with either, just pick good hardware around it. It's just not the CPU.
In my case I'm a Dell lover since I've worked in IT for nearly 30 years and have seen most common varieties of them pass through the departments I've worked in. Therefore, I'm also an Intel fan. I like to go with more than one physical CPU in Dell Engineering workstations as they tend to handle audio/video rendering, gaming and many CPU intensive tasks better. With all this power though comes cost. These workstations are $$$$ heavy. My $0.02.
Last edited by sslechta; 06/19/23 05:54 AM.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,601
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,601 |
Wow, sounds straight from Chatgpt. Am I right? Dan, it’s not wrong but it does have that AI ring to it. I’m interested in knowing, too.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,640
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,640 |
FWIW that post in question agrees with my earlier one.
AMD is fine, and I have both Intel and AMD processors.
I wouldn't worry about the brand; just make sure to get the specs you want.
For my music computers I've stuck with AMD simply because the track/plugin count seemed to exceed a comparable Intel when I tested, and cost less money, but that is just one person's experience, and to be fair, not empirical testing.
Bottom line is you'll probably fine with either, and AMD will likely save a few bucks, maybe use less power (future $$ saved) and run cooler.
I currently use the Ryzen series, but it is now an older model (Ryzen 5) that has held up just fine. I know that depends on a lot of things, like computer maintenance (dust in the cooling fins is a processor problem waiting to happen).
That brings one other thing to mind; I am happy I have a tower with a see-through side so I can easily check for any Preventive Maintenance issues without having to open it up. I'd recommend that if it is an available option.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,853
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,853 |
FYI - Antec computer cases have fans with cleanable filters, a clear side view, and they have a reset button. I have had one for a number of years now and the dust inside the computer case always are virtually non-existed. That of course means periodically cleaning the filters. https://www.antec.com/product/case-
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,018
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,018 |
We seem to be talking about apples and oranges. I told you there was something strange about this tread. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,601
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,601 |
Yes, there is some nonsense introduced. Another sociology class experiment?
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,403
Posts804,413
Members40,113
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean