A bit of everything - Help on build

[Arbiter]

Hello Pcmech,

This computer will be used extensively for photo storage and editing (minor edits), as well as basic audio recording and mixing. Audio will be done by guitar, and voice. The system will be using Cakewalk Music 4.

One hard drive will be used solely as a backup device for photos and music stored on the other.

This is a serious build, I would like to spend less than $2000

Any comments welcome:

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/Pu...Number=7690045


I am looking specifically for help on:

1) sound card. Is there something better (or cheaper) to hook MIDI up to? I don't think the onboard is enough?

2) Motherboard. SLI never needed. Wireless is (the reason I chose that board). Is there better/cheaper wireless chipset?

3) Printer & Scanner. High quality a must! I really want separate cartridges for colors as well (Reason I chose this). I chose separated hardware because I want a 96 bit color depth scanner. comments welcome!

4) Video Card. 129 for that card is killer, I welcome anything that tops that. I could go with a weaker card, but this seems a deal to me.

5) Monitor. It has to be full HD capable, I welcome any cheaper than $339

6) Case & Fans. 49 for a big fan case, and a couple 120mm on top of that. The cast cannot be flashy, no windows or lights. Comments?

[Arbiter]

anyone?

[XenaWP]

I don't think I'd choose those speakers if you're into music. My personal preference is to buy speakers from a speaker company, not a keyboard company. Look into some Klipsch or harmon Kardon speakers. Or go for some nearfield monitors. You can pick up a 2-channel amp for fairly cheap ... output the sound from the M-audio board to the amp, then to the speakers.

[flanzig1]

would also up the size of the PSU. The PSU you picked is a good brand but a bit light for the 8800 video card. Would look for something in the 500 to 550w range.

[schematics]

Originally Posted by Arbiter 1) sound card. Is there something better (or cheaper) to hook MIDI up to? I don't think the onboard is enough?

How much are you working with MIDI? I use just a MIDI controller for my music production, and it connects via USB. I know that there are adapters for going from MIDI to USB to connect devices that still use MIDI cables, but if you are using a lot of MIDI devices you might want to consider buying one of those MIDI hubs that connects a lot of equipment.

As far as internal Audio Interfaces go, some give MIDI in's and out's but they should also give you a suitable number of audio in's and audio out's for your recording purposes. Also I agree with the above poster that if you're looking for speakers suited for music making check out some of the audio monitors on M-AUDIOs website.