I'm debating this myself, since it's time to build a more current machine that will run Windows 11.

I currently use two machines for digital audio. Six years ago, I built both to be exactly the same except the backup machine uses an i5 and the production machine uses an i7. Thus I can speak to the difference in processors since both were equally high up their respective line in processing power and other specs. For BIAB, I see little difference except in the time required to regenerate a song. Even that is not an objectionable difference in the i5.


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; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.