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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.
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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 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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"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.
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Wow, sounds straight from Chatgpt. Am I right? 
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
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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 $$$$ heavy. My $0.02.
Last edited by sslechta; 06/19/23 04:54 AM.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
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Wow, sounds straight from Chatgpt. Am I right? Dan, it’s not wrong but it does have that AI ring to it. I’m interested in knowing, too.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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FWIW that post in question agrees with my earlier one.
AMD is fine, and I have both Intel and AMD processors.
I wouldn't worry about the brand; just make sure to get the specs you want.
For my music computers I've stuck with AMD simply because the track/plugin count seemed to exceed a comparable Intel when I tested, and cost less money, but that is just one person's experience, and to be fair, not empirical testing.
Bottom line is you'll probably fine with either, and AMD will likely save a few bucks, maybe use less power (future $$ 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!
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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-
My boss calls me "the computer".
Nothing to do with intelligence. I go to sleep if left unattended for 15 minutes.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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We seem to be talking about apples and oranges. I told you there was something strange about this tread. 
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
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Yes, there is some nonsense introduced. Another sociology class experiment?
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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