Question Home studio PC for $1.4k

[ganymede]

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
Mainly: music recording and editing on Linux. This means:

• Must be as quiet as possible.
• Must have stable, noise-free USB power (for external recording hardware).
• (because of Linux) No dedicated GPU. Haven't had good experiences with either nVidia or ATi.

Occasionally: hobbyist photo editing, maybe eventually RAW development.

Other considerations:

• Feel free to suggest mini-ITX builds, but only if the case has no built-it/hard-to-replace fans (see 5.)
• I'm planning a dual-head setup, two identical display outputs would be nice (i.e. 2 HDMI, 2 DP etc.)

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
$1400.

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
US (NYC area)

4. IF you're buying parts OUTSIDE the US, please post a link to the vendor you'll be buying from.
We can't be expected to scour the internet on your behalf, chasing down deals in your specific country... Again, help us, help YOU.

5. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.
Haven't been disappointed by Noctua yet, planning to use them exclusively for cooling. No other preference.

6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
I have an HDD for storage, just need an SSD to run OS.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
Default speeds.

8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?
4K on Linux still seems wonky, so let's go with 1080p (dual-head). 4K dual-head

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
I can start ordering parts basically right away.

10. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?

 

[Flayed]

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor ($326.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Slim CPU Cooler ($64.98 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX ATX AM4 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory ($74.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial P1 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($95.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1650 4 GB XC GAMING Video Card ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Case: be quiet! Silent Base 601 ATX Mid Tower Case ($136.41 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS Gold 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply ($81.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1026.32
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-11-14 19:16 EST-0500

I know you said no dedicated video card but I just can't bring myself to recommend an Intel system these days.

 

[ganymede]

Flayed you are a machine. Two questions:

• I didn't phrase my brand preference quite right, I should have said "Noctua unless cost prohibitive or otherwise impossible" Did you suggest the Dark Rock Slim because the equivalent Noctua wouldn't fit?
• "I just can't bring myself to recommend an Intel system these days" Granted, the last time I built a GPU-less system (also a studio PC) was 2014, but the Intel graphics on the Asus H87I worked flawlessly in a dual (and occasionally triple)-head setup. Have integrated graphics gotten that much worse? Or is it just personal preference?

 

[Markfw]

Flayed you are a machine. Two questions:

• I didn't phrase my brand preference quite right, I should have said "Noctua unless cost prohibitive or otherwise impossible" Did you suggest the Dark Rock Slim because the equivalent Noctua wouldn't fit?
• "I just can't bring myself to recommend an Intel system these days" Granted, the last time I built a GPU-less system (also a studio PC) was 2014, but the Intel graphics on the Asus H87I worked flawlessly in a dual (and occasionally triple)-head setup. Have integrated graphics gotten that much worse? Or is it just personal preference?

On the second item. Integrated video can't touch a dedicated card, and the only CPU's that have any speed have crappy integrated video.

Item one. (IMO) Noctura and "be quiet" are both great cooling solutions, and both are quiet.

So I would go with what he said.

 

[crashtech]

I'm kind of wondering what problems OP had with dGPUs and Linux. I'm a noob with Linux, but lately the Nvidia cards are pretty easy to get going. AMD GPUs are a different story, unfortunately. I don't think the Nvidia card spec'ed in the build above would present any problems. BUT, Intel integrated graphics have not gotten worse, but slightly better over the years. So, if a system with integrated graphics is desired, an Intel CPU like the i7-9700 will fit the bill, and comes with a HSF as well. Of course that would have to be paired with a motherboard like the ASRock Z390 Pro4, but the rest of the system spec'ed by Flayed could stay the same. Depending on how CPU intensive your activities are, you may end up with an aftermarket cooler like the one on Flayed's build, but it might not be necessary. It might be better to get 32GB RAM instead, depending on the software you use.

 

[richaron]

Yeah the dGPU thing with Linux is a non-issue. Same goes for the 4k "problems".

As far as motherboards go, a few years ago there was a trend of adding a specific low noise USB port (or two) for your audio devices (I have one on my old FM2+ mobo). I'm not up to date but I assume this is still a thing? It actually makes a big difference when compared to average ports. And if this isn't available I know there were also active external USB adapters with their own clean power supply.

Edit: After a super quick search I saw some of the ASUS premium boards advertise "TRUEVOLT USB" as marketing slang for stable power on the USB ports. I assume other brands have an equivalent. This would be the minimum I would use for USB powered audio devices if I cared about the quality. And worthy of taking up budget from other components if necessary.

Edit 2: My old board is a Gigabyte with a specific "USB DAC-UP" port and I see they're still doing them.

 

[ganymede]

Yeah the dGPU thing with Linux is a non-issue. Same goes for the 4k "problems".

At my job, I use a Linux desktop with an nVidia card and 4K displays, and I can assure you, it's very much an issue

• Had to downgrade the driver back down to 390 because anything newer causes the system to just hang on boot.
• Driver versions are tied to your kernel version, so if you install a kernel update (or you know, automatic updates install one for you), you need to reinstall the drivers. From the terminal, of course, because the desktop manager will fail to start.
• Even with the above, the official nVidia drivers are better than nouveau.
• I had to switch from Gnome to KDE just to get any semblance of readability on 4K displays. On Gnome, you're either stuck with tiny text or blurry xrandr scaling. KDE does slightly better but individual apps might still render oddly (KRDC, for example, is incapable of properly scaling its output to fullscreen, so you'll be staring at a tiny window in the top left corner while the rest of the screen shows random garbage)

I've also tried to set up multiple laptops and desktops with dedicated nVidia or ATi cards in the past, with many different distros (various Ubuntus, Mint, Arch) and without fail, there would be some GPU-related shenanigans (not recognizing the native resolution of a laptop screen, flickering graphics requiring a resolution change, or my favorite: the graphics driver hanging the system on shutdown/reboot).

 

[richaron]

At my job, I use a Linux desktop with an nVidia card and 4K displays, and I can assure you, it's very much an issue

• Had to downgrade the driver back down to 390 because anything newer causes the system to just hang on boot.
• Driver versions are tied to your kernel version, so if you install a kernel update (or you know, automatic updates install one for you), you need to reinstall the drivers. From the terminal, of course, because the desktop manager will fail to start.
• Even with the above, the official nVidia drivers are better than nouveau.
• I had to switch from Gnome to KDE just to get any semblance of readability on 4K displays. On Gnome, you're either stuck with tiny text or blurry xrandr scaling. KDE does slightly better but individual apps might still render oddly (KRDC, for example, is incapable of properly scaling its output to fullscreen, so you'll be staring at a tiny window in the top left corner while the rest of the screen shows random garbage)

I've also tried to set up multiple laptops and desktops with dedicated nVidia or ATi cards in the past, with many different distros (various Ubuntus, Mint, Arch) and without fail, there would be some GPU-related shenanigans (not recognizing the native resolution of a laptop screen, flickering graphics requiring a resolution change, or my favorite: the graphics driver hanging the system on shutdown/reboot).

Oh, wow.

I run 3 systems (admittedly only Ubuntu ranging from 18.04 to 19.10) two of which running AMD cards. And my primary rig is multi monitor with an ultrawide as my main/gaming screen with a 4k TV secondary. I figured that if mine has worked fine for years most systems would be fine, especially since nV started out ahead and regularly releases updates. I'm actually surprised you're having issues with a modern simple 4k setup.

I'm assuming you're running recent hardware and software? Ubuntu 19.10 even incorporates proprietory nV drivers and a very recent version of Gnome (which seems to have an easy way to scale text) so that might be all you need to be happy... In any case it seems you have reasons for your beliefs so I don't expect you to listen to some rand on the interwebs. You might be right but I've also heard many people spout long gone problems with Linux so I've gotten a little cynical. Personally I wouldn't have a problem recommending a dual 4k setup with any modern GPU to friends or family members and I'd stake my time to setting it up. But again, whatever floats your boat.

 

[ganymede]

Admittedly, Gnome wasn't exactly recent. Kubuntu 18.04, as I mentioned, runs acceptably for the most part, but Ubuntu Studio (the distro that'll be installed on this rig) is a whole other question.

Another consideration with dedicated GPUs is noise, as they typically have factory, non-replaceable fans. On the other hand, since the GPU is extremely underutilized, I'm wondering if underclocking and/or passive cooling is an option.

 

[Flayed]

That Dark rock slim is a really good cooler, one of the quiestest if not the quietist coolers available.

Admittedly, Gnome wasn't exactly recent. Kubuntu 18.04, as I mentioned, runs acceptably for the most part, but Ubuntu Studio (the distro that'll be installed on this rig) is a whole other question.

Another consideration with dedicated GPUs is noise, as they typically have factory, non-replaceable fans. On the other hand, since the GPU is extremely underutilized, I'm wondering if underclocking and/or passive cooling is an option.

You could get a passively cooled one such as this:

Passive Cooling: XFX RX 460 Heatsink Edition Vs. Palit GTX 1050 Ti KalmX

After hacking together our own passively-cooled card, we now compare off-the-shelf solutions based on AMD and Nvidia GPUs. Was our attempt amateurish or could there be a more general problem with passively cooling current-gen graphics processors?

www.tomshardware.com

I have an MSI 1050ti which doesn't spin the fans under idle load and so is completely silent.

 

[ganymede]

Bump for 2020! This build didn't happen last year because it was too close to the holidays, so I would have had the parts or the finished build sitting around for a month collecting dust while I was out of town. But now I'm back and fully intent on making it happen. There were some changes:

• Budget went up to $1.4k
• Switched to KUbuntu at work, which handles 2x 4K and dedicated GPU perfectly, so I'm gonna get off that soap box
• Took up hobbyist photography, some editing/development will happen on this machine

 

[Flayed]

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 3.8 GHz 12-Core Processor ($469.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 50.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($89.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING X570-PLUS (WI-FI) ATX AM4 Motherboard ($183.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory ($73.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Corsair MP600 Force Series Gen4 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($214.99 @ Corsair)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER 4 GB SC ULTRA GAMING Video Card ($158.98 @ Newegg)
Case: be quiet! Silent Base 601 ATX Mid Tower Case ($139.00 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS Gold 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1420.83
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-02-15 17:00 EST-0500

 

[Markfw]

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 3.8 GHz 12-Core Processor ($469.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 50.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($89.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING X570-PLUS (WI-FI) ATX AM4 Motherboard ($183.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory ($73.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Corsair MP600 Force Series Gen4 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($214.99 @ Corsair)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER 4 GB SC ULTRA GAMING Video Card ($158.98 @ Newegg)
Case: be quiet! Silent Base 601 ATX Mid Tower Case ($139.00 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS Gold 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1420.83
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-02-15 17:00 EST-0500

PSU won't work, you need two 8 pins plugs for the CPU/MB.Here is what I just got: $140 and a 10 year warranty.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CDMZKB5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Flayed]

PSU won't work, you need two 8 pins plugs for the CPU/MB.Here is what I just got: $140 and a 10 year warranty.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CDMZKB5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That looks like a nice PSU maybe the OP can stretch the budget for it

 

[ganymede]

Wow, good thing this weekend turned out busier than expected and I haven't started ordering yet.

I might be able to fit the EVGA Supernova into the budget, but isn't 850 W overkill? I'm by no means an expert, I'm only asking because the original suggestion was for 550 W.

Would this one work?

SeaSonic FOCUS 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply

pcpartpicker.com

Or the 650 W version to be extra safe?

 

[Markfw]

Wow, good thing this weekend turned out busier than expected and I haven't started ordering yet.

I might be able to fit the EVGA Supernova into the budget, but isn't 850 W overkill? I'm by no means an expert, I'm only asking because the original suggestion was for 550 W.

Would this one work?

SeaSonic FOCUS 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply

pcpartpicker.com

Or the 650 W version to be extra safe?

I can't tell if it has 2 cpu cords, no specs. But this one does:

Are you a human?

www.newegg.com

 

[VirtualLarry]

PSU won't work, you need two 8 pins plugs for the CPU/MB.Here is what I just got: $140 and a 10 year warranty.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CDMZKB5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks Mark, for posting that! I am in the market for a new PSU soon, possibly. Not sure if this Antec EDG 750W Gold PSU is acting up or not.

850W Platinum for $130 is a decent deal these days.

 

[Markfw]

Thanks Mark, for posting that! I am in the market for a new PSU soon, possibly. Not sure if this Antec EDG 750W Gold PSU is acting up or not.

850W Platinum for $130 is a decent deal these days.

Are you a human?

www.newegg.com

EVGA also has a $109 650 watt with 2 cpu plugs, $89 after $20 rebate.

Amazon has it for $99, no mention of rebate

https://www.amazon.com/EVGA-SuperNOVA-Modular-Warranty-120-GP-0650-X1/dp/B0797CDK7J/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=EVGA+SuperNOVA+650+G%2B&qid=1582038258&sr=8-2

 

[VirtualLarry]

EVGA also has a $109 650 watt with 2 cpu plugs, $89 after $20 rebate.

I saw that link too, when you posted it. I actually have two of those already, in two PCs. Only, it smarts a little having to pay $109 out of pocket for one of those; I got mine two years ago BF for $60 each, new. PSUs sure are more expensive now.

Worse yet, I don't know where I stored my extra modular cables, with the second CPU 4+4-pin cable for those, and EVGA wants $100 for a (sheathed) cable set for those PSUs. Might as well just buy another PSU. First-world problems, sigh.

 

[Markfw]

I saw that link too, when you posted it. I actually have two of those already, in two PCs. Only, it smarts a little having to pay $109 out of pocket for one of those; I got mine two years ago BF for $60 each, new. PSUs sure are more expensive now.

Worse yet, I don't know where I stored my extra modular cables, with the second CPU 4+4-pin cable for those, and EVGA wants $100 for a (sheathed) cable set for those PSUs. Might as well just buy another PSU. First-world problems, sigh.

I have a large BOX filled with all those extra cables !

 

[ganymede]

Okay, I updated the list:

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 3.8 GHz 12-Core Processor ($469.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 50.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($89.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING X570-PLUS (WI-FI) ATX AM4 Motherboard ($182.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Corsair MP600 Force Series Gen4 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($214.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER 4 GB SC ULTRA GAMING Video Card ($158.98 @ Newegg)
Case: be quiet! Silent Base 601 ATX Mid Tower Case ($129.00 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G1+ 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($97.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $1426.82

I hope that's the right PSU. The extra cost is mostly offset by going for the non-window variant of the case (because I care less about aesthetic and more about that sweet sweet 10 mm acoustic foam).

 

[Markfw]

Okay, I updated the list:

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 3.8 GHz 12-Core Processor ($469.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 50.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($89.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING X570-PLUS (WI-FI) ATX AM4 Motherboard ($182.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Corsair MP600 Force Series Gen4 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($214.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER 4 GB SC ULTRA GAMING Video Card ($158.98 @ Newegg)
Case: be quiet! Silent Base 601 ATX Mid Tower Case ($129.00 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G1+ 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($97.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $1426.82

I hope that's the right PSU. The extra cost is mostly offset by going for the non-window variant of the case (because I care less about aesthetic and more about that sweet sweet 10 mm acoustic foam).

Looks like you got it nailed. Buy and build !

 

[JEDIYoda]

Wow, good thing this weekend turned out busier than expected and I haven't started ordering yet.

I might be able to fit the EVGA Supernova into the budget, but isn't 850 W overkill? I'm by no means an expert, I'm only asking because the original suggestion was for 550 W.

Would this one work?

SeaSonic FOCUS 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply

pcpartpicker.com

Or the 650 W version to be extra safe?

define overkill

 

[Meghan54]

define overkill

When your computer running flat out takes less than 50% of the psu's rated output.

 

[Markfw]

When your computer running flat out takes less than 50% of the psu's rated output.

The 650 is the smallest I could find with 2 cpu plugs, required.