Advice needed on small(ish) Audio/Video desktop build

[Justanotherplonker]

Hello, all! I'll start by admitting I'm hopeless when it comes to tech, so I thought I better ask some experts. You might need to explain things like I'm 5.

I'm looking for something for music and video production that is as futureproof as possible on my budget of around £3000. I have no desire to upgrade parts within the next 10 years or so if it can be avoided. 5 at the very least. Not fussed about having all the latest new bits and bobs. I'll make do until it's knackered!

For video production I use Premier Pro.

For music production I use Ableton and Pro Tools.

I might muck about learning game development in Unreal at some point.

I use 2 cheap monitors. 1080p with no need for gaming stuff. I plan to get a separate laptop for gaming. So this would purely be for work.

I can't get a wired connection setup. Using an ancient WiFi dongle atm.

I am severely limited when it comes to space.

I've messed about with the config thing and got a couple of builds on quote that go through okay. Just because it will let me order them though, doesn't mean it's a good idea to build them.

My main concern is the available space I have restricts case dimensions so much that any decent build might be impossible.

The 2 quotes I've generated are in completely different cases. For the 1st, it's in the regular tier, for the 2nd, it's a small form factor one.

With the 1st spec, my main questions are

1) Would this case be okay for this build? Would the Lian Li Lancool 205 mesh c gaming case be better? (I can't afford to go bigger than these 2 on the case!)

2) With either the PCS case or the Lian Li one, would this need extra fans? If so, what's the best option?

3) If these cases are no good, what parts can I get instead that would fit these cases and still fit my requirements?

4) Is the build appropriate in general? Overkill? Would you change anything?

Case
PCS SPECTRUM II ARGB MID TOWER CASE (PWM)
Promotional Item
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Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X 16 Core CPU (4.5GHz-5.7GHz/80MB CACHE/AM5)
Motherboard
ASUS® ROG STRIX X670E-A GAMING WIFI (AM5, DDR5, PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E)
Memory (RAM)
64GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 5600MHz (2 x 32GB) AMD
Graphics Card
16GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 4070 Ti SUPER - HDMI, DP, LHR
Graphics Card Support Bracket
NONE (BRACKET INCLUDED AS STANDARD ON 4070 Ti / RX 7700 XT AND ABOVE)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB SOLIDIGM P44 PRO GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 7000MB/sR, 6500MB/sW)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
4TB SAMSUNG 990 PRO M.2, PCIe 4.0 NVMe (up to 7450MB/R, 6900MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 850W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead, 1.0mm Core)
Processor Cooling
CORSAIR ICUE LINK H115i RGB HIGH PERFORMANCE CPU COOLER
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
ONBOARD 2.5Gbe LAN PORT
USB/Thunderbolt Options
2 PORT (2 x TYPE A) USB 3.0 PCI-E CARD + STANDARD USB PORTS
Operating System
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence

Price: £2,848.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/btGt5Cskw3/


With the 2nd spec, I was thinking it's probably a waste of time since the config says there's even less that will fit in something like the Torrent Nano.

This is the build though if you have any thoughts. Please keep in mind I don't know wtf I'm doing! I just watched a couple of videos on YouTube for recommendations, but it's kind of confusing.

Case
FRACTAL DESIGN TORRENT NANO RGB CASE
Promotional Item
Get a discount code for 20% off select peripherals at Corsair.com
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D 16 Core CPU (4.2GHz-5.7GHz/144MB w/3D V-CACHE/AM5)
Motherboard
ASUS® ROG STRIX X670E-I GAMING WIFI (Mini-ITX, AM5, DDR5, PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E)
Memory (RAM)
64GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 5600MHz (2 x 32GB) AMD
Graphics Card
12GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 4070 SUPER - HDMI, DP, LHR
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB SOLIDIGM P44 PRO GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 7000MB/sR, 6500MB/sW)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
4TB SAMSUNG 990 PRO M.2, PCIe 4.0 NVMe (up to 7450MB/R, 6900MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 750W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
PCS FrostFlow 55 Series High Performance CPU Cooler
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 4 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence

Price: £2,645.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-sff-gaming/Ab3qdvKSba/

Cheers!

 

[SpyderTracks]

I would wait until the 15th when new AMD 9000 processors are being released

 

[Justanotherplonker]

There is the slight problem that this would be replacing an old office PC with a suspected dead motherboard. Waiting wouldn't be the end of the world but I've got nothing to work on in the meantime besides an ancient laptop that takes half hour to boot and doesn't really run anything.

I dont know why, but I'm wary about newly released tech. Always buy new phones that are a generation or two behind the latest. It feels safer to stick with stuff that's been out for a bit.

Or were you thinking the 9000 release will make it easier to put together a cheaper build?

I don't have enough knowledge on these things to understand the reason for waiting.

 

[SpyderTracks]

There is the slight problem that this would be replacing an old office PC with a suspected dead motherboard. Waiting wouldn't be the end of the world but I've got nothing to work on in the meantime besides an ancient laptop that takes half hour to boot and doesn't really run anything.

I dont know why, but I'm wary about newly released tech. Always buy new phones that are a generation or two behind the latest. It feels safer to stick with stuff that's been out for a bit.

Or were you thinking the 9000 release will make it easier to put together a cheaper build?

I don't have enough knowledge on these things to understand the reason for waiting.

9000 release will bring prices down across the board, plus the new cpus may well outperform these at a similar price point (as currently)

if you’re desperate we can suggest something but I’d strongly suggest waiting as youll invariably get quite substantially more power at the same price point.

 

[Justanotherplonker]

That makes sense. I appreciate the explanation. I suppose I would be stupid not to wait then. It would be nice to have something to work on sooner but I doubt a couple of weeks will make that much difference in terms of work output. Whereas it sounds like it would make a big difference in terms of value. Thanks for taking the time to advise.

 

[SpyderTracks]

That makes sense. I appreciate the explanation. I suppose I would be stupid not to wait then. It would be nice to have something to work on sooner but I doubt a couple of weeks will make that much difference in terms of work output. Whereas it sounds like it would make a big difference in terms of value. Thanks for taking the time to advise.

No problem, do post back if you get overly frustrated with your current solution but definitely worth coming back on the 14th or so by when we should have proper 3rd party reviews of the new cpus

 

[Justanotherplonker]

I can just about work on music but it's a pain. Anything related to video production is impossible on the laptop. It's some ancient Acer that we got as a family unit for around £300. Amazed it still works after all these years. I'll persevere though since it seems like I'd be mad not to! Thanks again.

 

[TonyCarter]

I'm not actually recommending this in any way, as I prefer the upgradability of a PC...

If small form factor was the key requirement then I'd say go for a Mac Studio M2 Ultra...but even an Apple fanboy like me can't stand their extortionate prices for larger RAM/SSD configurations...and the one I'd want is £5k (24-core CPU, 76-core GPU, 32-core NPU, 1TB, 64GB) 😖

Comparing Geekbench 6 scores between my 'want-to-have' Mac Studio and my AM5 build in my sig:

• Current Mac Studio M1 Max = 2426 / 12781
• £5k Mac Studio M2 Ultra = 2675 / 21065
• 7800X3D/RTX4090 = 2635 / 14930

 

[Scott]

I would definitely wait until the 9000 are released but I wouldn't necessarily go with a 9000 series chip, unless of course you do get more bang for your buck in which case it's a no brainer.

It's a very weird situation where we're getting new chips without the new chipsets/motherboards. I wouldn't want to pay more for a modern chip in a new system without a significant advantage in performance. It would be worth taking a bit of a financial hit if you were getting the new chipset but otherwise I wouldn't bother.

The wait is about saving a bit of cash and getting the best bang for your buck. If you feel you really can't wait then it'll be easy enough to sort out a spec right now. It would probably be exact the same as the system will be if waiting, but may cost a little more.

 

[Scott]

If small form factor was the key requirement then I'd say go for a Mac Studio M2 Ultra...but even an Apple fanboy like me can't stand their extortionate prices for larger RAM/SSD configurations...and the one I'd want is £5k (24-core CPU, 76-core GPU, 32-core NPU, 1TB, 64GB) 😖

Comparing Geekbench 6 scores between my 'want-to-have' Mac Studio and my AM5 build in my sig:

• Current Mac Studio M1 Max = 2426 / 12781
• £5k Mac Studio M2 Ultra = 2675 / 21065
• 7800X3D/RTX4090 = 2635 / 14930

Curious how the likes of a 7950X or 7950X3D would fare against those scores though. Money for a decent Mac is insane to me.

 

[TonyCarter]

Curious how the likes of a 7950X or 7950X3D would fare against those scores though. Money for a decent Mac is insane to me.

I do think they're over-priced for a consumer, but I was a prosumer so could absorb the cost as part of doing business.

However, I really didn't like the move from upgradable 'cheese-grater' Mac Pro type computers to the buy-what-you-need-and-never-upgrade options on the 'Trash Can' Mac Pro, and the non-standard upgrade options in the latest Apple Silicon Mac Pro.

I don't know how Geekbench works in regards to simply scaling the 7800X3D score, so don't know if simply adding double the cores would double the multi-core score.

Seems not...

Here's a PCS Fusion Goliath run (7950X), which strangely only adds about 45% to the score (2969/19810):

PCSpecialist Fusion Goliath - Geekbench

Benchmark results for a PCSpecialist Fusion Goliath with an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X processor.

browser.geekbench.com

...and a 7950X3D run (2975/19217):

PCSpecialist Amd Am5 - Geekbench

Benchmark results for a PCSpecialist Amd Am5 with an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor.

browser.geekbench.com

But synthetic benchmarks are not necessarily going to tell you how much faster a specific app/process/workflow will be on those machines...and that's where I prefer something like PugetBench.

PugetBench List

Build your own computer, workstation, mini pc, or server at Puget Custom Computers.

benchmarks.pugetsystems.com

...where a 7800X3D + RT4080 is twice as fast in PremierePro benchmark than an M2 Ultra Mac Studio.

PugetBench Results

Build your own computer, workstation, mini pc, or server at Puget Custom Computers.

benchmarks.pugetsystems.com

PugetBench Results

Build your own computer, workstation, mini pc, or server at Puget Custom Computers.

benchmarks.pugetsystems.com

 

[Justanotherplonker]

I'm not actually recommending this in any way, as I prefer the upgradability of a PC...

If small form factor was the key requirement then I'd say go for a Mac Studio M2 Ultra..

It's a big part of the dilemma, but I could definitely fit the first couple of cases I mentioned on the first build if they're workable. It's just the majority of ones listed on the config are much larger than the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh C and the PCS Spectrum 2 ARGB Mid Tower Case (PWM). It doesn't strictly have to be tiny like the Torrent Nano on the other build. It's just everything listed after the Lian Li one on the config looks too big for my available space.

Height isn't so much of a problem, more width and especially depth. I looked at the Corsair 4000D Airflow but I think that would be pushing it to the point that cables would be jammed against the wall.

I saw a video about Fractal's Torrent Compact being a decent option with it being slightly bigger than the Nano. It might still fit my space but doesn't look like PCS sell that case.

A few friends have told me to just get a Mac! Those prices make me cry though. Probably daft but I've always been put off by another friend who used one for work. He wrote code and did graphic design for a small company, something to do with Minecraft servers that I never understood. He would frequently rant about the device and make me swear never to buy one!

 

[Justanotherplonker]

The wait is about saving a bit of cash and getting the best bang for your buck. If you feel you really can't wait then it'll be easy enough to sort out a spec right now. It would probably be exact the same as the system will be if waiting, but may cost a little more.

Hmm well I can wait but if the savings aren't huge then I'd probably just give in to impatience and try to get something now because it is pretty painful trying to do anything on the old laptop. I'm freelance so every day without a decent computer isn't great. At the end of the day, I was prepared to spend £3000 if necessary. If we're talking only saving something like £100-300 I'd bite now. If it's more like £500 up, I'd wait.

Either way, I'd need to know if anything worth building would fit in the cases I mentioned on the first build linked since I can't fit anything much bigger than that. My home office might as well be a cupboard!

 

[Scott]

I wouldn't recommend either of those cases and I certainly wouldn't go down to anything like a nano spec for a high end performance rig.

In honesty the minimum I would look toward would be the 4000. The 3000 is an option too but it doesn't really save you much.

Below is where I land for a first stab. I went with different storage and included a cache drive as well. It's always handy to have a fast extra storage drive for cache or current projects etc. The primary drive should be for OS and program installs only.

Case
CORSAIR 4000D AIRFLOW TEMPERED GLASS GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X 16 Core CPU (4.5GHz-5.7GHz/80MB CACHE/AM5)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING X670E-PLUS WIFI (AM5, DDR5, PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E)
Memory (RAM)
64GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 5600MHz (2 x 32GB) AMD
Graphics Card
16GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 4070 Ti SUPER - HDMI, DP, LHR
Graphics Card Support Bracket
NONE (BRACKET INCLUDED AS STANDARD ON 4070 Ti / RX 7700 XT AND ABOVE)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB SOLIDIGM P44 PRO GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 7000MB/sR, 4700MB/sW)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
4TB CORSAIR CORE XT MP600 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD (up to 5000 MB/R, 4400 MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB SOLIDIGM P41+ GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 4125MB/sR, 2950MB/sW)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1200W RMx SHIFT SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead, 1.0mm Core)
Processor Cooling
CORSAIR ICUE LINK H150i RGB HIGH PERFORMANCE CPU COOLER
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
ONBOARD 2.5Gbe LAN PORT
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10/11 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Google Chrome™
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 3 to 5 working days
Price: £2,847.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/9kWsrGCdgB/

 

[Scott]

The North TG is another option that's slightly smaller, if that was any use. You would need to lower the CPU cooler but that wouldn't have too much impact.

Oh.. I would expect the savings to be a lot less than £500. You would be more looking at up to £100. The only area you would be saving would be the CPU.

 

[Justanotherplonker]

I wouldn't recommend either of those cases and I certainly wouldn't go down to anything like a nano spec for a high end performance rig.

In honesty the minimum I would look toward would be the 4000. The 3000 is an option too but it doesn't really save you much.

...


The North TG is another option that's slightly smaller, if that was any use. You would need to lower the CPU cooler but that wouldn't have too much impact.

Oh.. I would expect the savings to be a lot less than £500. You would be more looking at up to £100. The only area you would be saving would be the CPU.

Is that because the airflow would be awful or other issues too?

I got the measuring tape out to doublecheck the space again and I just don't think I can get a 4000 in there. It's the damn depth measurements that are killing me.
The Lian Li one is listed as only 415mm, but the 4000 is 453cm and North TG 447mm.

I know we're only talking a couple of cm but it's the difference between having a bit of space around the case and it being jammed right up against the wall. If I'm measuring correctly, I don't think the 4000 would physically fit. The North might just about.

It's frustrating because a bigger room would be ideal. I've already rearranged everything a few times to try and make the most of the space. There's just not much space there to do much with. Does this mean I'm buggered for getting something higher end?

Thanks for taking a stab it at it by the way. Your changes to the storage and including that extra drive are quite appealing for sure!

With what you said about savings in mind, I think I would rather just order something now. It's finding a way of fitting something in the limited space that's the most challenging part.

 

[Scott]

Would it be possible to have it sideways, or on top of something to make it possible to fit?

It's just physics and thermal dynamics unfortunately. If you put big hot components in a small space, they're going to heat soak rapidly. To counter this you have extraction and intake fans to generate airflow, but if the space surrounding the case is non-existent you're not going to have any airflow.

It doesn't sound like a suitable place to have a performance PC in honesty. You can get it, plonk it in and it'll work.... it'll never work to its potential and you could cause longevity issues with continued heat soak and thermal max temperatures. Not to mention it'll be very noisy as the fans are having to work very hard. In my mind it would be a waste of money to purchase something you're not going to get the most potential out of.

There are cases that can be mounted on walls for example. There are many ways around cramped environments but I wouldn't limit the case or airflow of the system, that's not a solution.

 

[Scott]

Also, from the measurements you have taken my guess is that none of them would fit in the space you have allocated. The cable protrustion has to be considered as well.

I'm surprised you are working in a space that's less than 500mm in width though. How do you get in?

 

[Justanotherplonker]

Also, from the measurements you have taken my guess is that none of them would fit in the space you have allocated. The cable protrustion has to be considered as well.

I'm surprised you are working in a space that's less than 500mm in width though. How do you get in?

Sadly, the way the room is currently configured maximises the space available, so putting a PC on top of something other than the unit I already have for it wouldn't be possible. For more context, I have a small desk with a small unit beside it. The unit the PC would stand on is square, so unfortunately wouldn't make much difference which way you put the PC on it.

Basically, the room is a walk in cupboard, so the total width of the room fits 1 small desk + 1 small unit next to the desk for the PC to stand on. The desk only just fits the 2 monitors I need, so there's no room to have a PC on the desk itself.

And because it's a cupboard room, there is a chest of drawers in there as well which pins the unit next to the desk in. Sadly, that can't be moved as it contains most of my wardrobe! There's no space in my bedroom to store clothes. That chest of drawers has a TV on that I don't personally use and could put a PC on instead, but the kids use it when there's a viewing conflict on the main one downstairs, so I'd get an earful if I moved it.

The daft thing is, my old PC fit just fine in the space with a good 3-5 or so inches clearance all around it. I didn't realise cases and parts had increased so drastically in the past 10 or so years!

Those cases I mentioned would fit fine including cable protrusion, but as you say, there's no point in buying them if they're not good enough for the parts inside.

The joys of living in the south of Britain where you get a lot less house for your money!

I don't know what I'm supposed to do because it's the only room in the house that I have to work in. I much prefer desktops over laptops, but maybe a laptop might be my only solution.

I can understand how it would be a waste to build a high end machine if it's going to be hampered by poor airflow. It makes me think it's a bit cheeky of places to state that you can have a high performance computer in a tiny case like the Torrent Nano, saying you can have the best of both worlds for small spaces, if in reality, it's going to mean the PC won't perform as well as it could.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Sadly, the way the room is currently configured maximises the space available, so putting a PC on top of something other than the unit I already have for it wouldn't be possible. For more context, I have a small desk with a small unit beside it. The unit the PC would stand on is square, so unfortunately wouldn't make much difference which way you put the PC on it.

Basically, the room is a walk in cupboard, so the total width of the room fits 1 small desk + 1 small unit next to the desk for the PC to stand on. The desk only just fits the 2 monitors I need, so there's no room to have a PC on the desk itself.

And because it's a cupboard room, there is a chest of drawers in there as well which pins the unit next to the desk in. Sadly, that can't be moved as it contains most of my wardrobe! There's no space in my bedroom to store clothes. That chest of drawers has a TV on that I don't personally use and could put a PC on instead, but the kids use it when there's a viewing conflict on the main one downstairs, so I'd get an earful if I moved it.

The daft thing is, my old PC fit just fine in the space with a good 3-5 or so inches clearance all around it. I didn't realise cases and parts had increased so drastically in the past 10 or so years!

Those cases I mentioned would fit fine including cable protrusion, but as you say, there's no point in buying them if they're not good enough for the parts inside.

The joys of living in the south of Britain where you get a lot less house for your money!

I don't know what I'm supposed to do because it's the only room in the house that I have to work in. I much prefer desktops over laptops, but maybe a laptop might be my only solution.

I can understand how it would be a waste to build a high end machine if it's going to be hampered by poor airflow. It makes me think it's a bit cheeky of places to state that you can have a high performance computer in a tiny case like the Torrent Nano, saying you can have the best of both worlds for small spaces, if in reality, it's going to mean the PC won't perform as well as it could.

Simple solution, fit the house around the PC, tech comes first