My 14 year old Hackintosh that I built in 2011 just died recently, because of dust (oops... lesson learned).
Up until dust fried the motherboard it was still running like a champ, even in 2025, for normal everyday tasks.
So I’m looking to build another PC for music production, that will last me another 10-15 years.
I’m OK with going a bit overkill on it, as that’s what I did with my 2011 Hackitosh (to make it future-proof).

I’ve been researching a lot of music production PC builds and taking notes, but looking for advice here to make sure I do it right.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or insights.

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What PC Will Be Used For
• Music Production (Ableton): Using both VSTs and recording live instruments.
• Work / Productivity: CAD + lots of Brave browser tabs open across 2-3 windows, random programs, etc
• Light gaming: Not really important, but sometimes I do like to try out flight simulators sometimes, etc, just for fun. I don’t really game but would be cool to have the option from time to time.

Budget
• ~$2000, though I can try to increase if need be. I’m located in the U.S.

Special Considerations
• Low Noise: Trying to keep it as silent as possible, as I’ll be recording voice / instruments in the same room as the computer.
• Temperature: I’m in Southern California, doesn’t get too hot, but room can get up to 80F-85F sometimes (26C–30C)
• Dust: Lots of dust where I live. Room has a coat of dust after just 1-2 days.

Parts List So Far
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9950x – (I hear for Ableton this is a good choice)
• CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 – (to keep noise levels down)
• Case Fans: Replace with Noctua – (to make case even quieter)
• PSU: Seasonic Prime GX-1000 – (I hear for low EMF / electronic noise this is a good choice)
• OS: Windows 10 – (bare bones, very lightweight version)

Accessories
• Dust Cover – (to protect from dust when computer is off)
• Dust Filters – (to place over air inlets if need be)
• Ferrite Chokes – (To minimize EMF interferance, especially via power cable to external GPU. I’m still learning about these, but they’re cheap to try out. Even if they don’t work, won’t hurt)

Parts I’m Still Trying to Figure Out:
• Motherboard – (trying to get one without onboard wifi/bluetooth... going to try to have it connected by ethernet only. To cut down on EMFs, and personal preference)
• Case – (wondering which will be quietest, while allowing for high airflow?)
• GPU – (I know GPUs are crazy expensive now. But looking for something somewhat decent for light gaming, and quiet as well)
• RAM (128gb) – (which brand will be best? Also – 2 x 64gb?, Or 4 x 32gb?)
• Hard Drives
• Anything else missing? – (Open to suggestions)

Parts I Have
• 2 x Samsung Monitors
• Keyboard / Mouse
• Audio Interface (Focusrite 2i2)