I built a new computer using the latest Core 2 Duo chip from Intel, some fast DDR2 memory and SATA drives. If you're interested in building your own computer for use as your DAW workstation, read on!
Note: This is not a tutorial on overclocking. This is just building a reliable computer setup that will be used for recording and audio production. This will be a Digital Audio Workstation. Because of this requirement, more importance has been given to reliability and lower noise than to overclocked speed enhancements, or water cooled or using big-noisy fans.
I'm using an Intel DG965WH motherboard. I specifically picked Intel instead of my normal pick (an Asus brand motherboard) because I don't want to have any problems using a new chip like the Core 2 Duo. I mean... if my chip is Intel, and my motherboard (mobo) is an Intel, I hope I wouldn't have any compatibility problems.
Since I will be housing this computer on a 2u rack case, I opted for on-board video. Again, this is not a gaming machine so I'm not too critical of video performance. We just need decent 2D performance and we don't want an additional fan for the graphics card (that will add fan noise.)
For my processor chip, I selected an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.1Ghz chip.
The retail package includes a heatsink and fan. The fan is quiet and does it job very well. In my opinion, there's no need to get a 3rd-party cpu cooler. Save money, and you don't need a noisy fan. The stock Intel fan works just fine.
Underneath the heatsink, you'd find thermal paste to facilitate heat transfer between the cpu and heatsink.
The Intel motherboard supports 2 IDE devices and 6 SATA drives. I'm using (2) 200 GB SATA hard drives.
And just to be sure, I also bought some SATA power connectors and SATA data cable. I didn't know if the motherboard came with them. For a few dollars, it's worth the peace of mind. I don't want to go online again and buy these and pay $$$ for UPS shipping because I was too cheap to buy them in the first place.
I'm using a 2u case for my computer. Just because I want it rack-mountable. Here, you can see the DVD-RW drive and PSU installed.
Took out the motherboard from it's plastic wrapping, and you'll notice there is a plastic cover protecting the cpu socket. Carefully remove this piece of plastic cover.
Lift up the lever for the cpu, and remove the plastic on top. That's the black thingy.
The Intel processor chip will also have a protective cover. That's the black thing on top. Carefully remove this. (It helps if you have a ground wrist strap. But I didn't have one when I did this... I just made sure I touch the metal case (of my rack) before I handled the cpu. Basically, discharge yourself of any static electricity.
And then we see the innards of the cpu, including all the pins. I remember handling 8086 chips during the days of the IBM XT computers... it was nothing like this. We've come a long, long way!
Carefully place the CPU into the cpu socket of the motherboard. Take your time. Make sure the orientation is correct. Don't FORCE anything. Check your chip orientation.
Then close the metal cover, and close the lever securely. This will hold the chip in place firmly.
Attach the cpu heatsink by positioning the 4 push pins on the 4 holes in the motherboard. Read the directions on how to properly attach the heatsink. Make sure you push in the locking pin. This holds the aluminum heatsink securely on the motherboard.
WARNING: Do not power up the motherboard without the heatsink attached to the cpu, or improperly attached or you risk damaging your expensive CPU.
Here's the fan securely installed to the motherboard.
The motherboard sometimes come with a sticker with the connection guide. I usually stick this on the inside case cover. It's a good idea to have a handy reference when working with the computer. No need to look for the printed manual or download the PDF manual. Open the computer case, and it's right there.
Install the DDR2 RAM sticks. Consult your mobo on where to install your RAM sticks for best possible performance. For my mobo, I need to fill-up the blue slots first. I suggest you use a dependable brand for your RAM. This is not the time and place to skimp on RAM by buying no-name brand, generic RAM.
If you go to reputable RAM sellers (Crucial, Kingston, etc...), select your motherboard model and they'll give you a list of recommended RAM models for your motherboard.
Connect the 2x24 motherboard power connectors. Don't forget to connect the 2x2 power connector too on the motherboard. Shown on this pic is the 2x24 power connector. (Sorry, I forgot to take pictures of the 2x2 square connectors.)
IDE devices like your CDROM/DVD drive need to be connected via IDE. That's the gray ribbon connector. On this shot, you can also see the pins where you can attach additional USB connections.
Hard disk drives (SATA) need to be connected to the motherboard using SATA data cables (the red cable). You'll also see on this picture the connectors for the POWER SWITCH, LED, HD LED, RESET switches (multi-color wires). Consult your mobo guide on where to connect these jacks.
This particular motherboard model supports 6 SATA drives (see the 6 on-board SATA connectors) and you can even setup hardware RAID!
The other end of the SATA data cable is plugged into your hard drive. It's a good time to also attach the SATA power connectors to the hard drive.
Here's the complete unit.
Install your operating system and you're done... then you can install your DAW software, hook-up your firewire interface and you've got yourself a Digital Audio Workstation.
