Laptop for music

[paulski07]

Hi, If there are any computer music producers out there, I’m looking at buying a new laptop for running Reason 6.5 DAW.
What are the recommended specs (processor, RAM, motherboard, etc. for running the software?
Thanks

 

[FLUDDzone]

I'd recommend getting a DAC if you want good audio on any laptop. A good laptop for high-end music production would have at least 16GB of RAM and a ivy bridge i7 processor. You could get a MacBook Pro which known to be good with editing. If you dislike the Mac OS there are plenty of other options. The best I know of is the HP EliteBook which is one of the best reviewing windows workstation laptops.

Edit: I agree with soundguruman, it will be much better getting a desktop PC if you want to take music producing seriously. For a desktop build I'd recommend a soundcard like Asus Xonar Essence STX, 16GB RAM, and a Xeon processor. If you give me your budget, I could recommend a good build for you.

 

[soundguruman]

Hi, If there are any computer music producers out there, I’m looking at buying a new laptop for running Reason 6.5 DAW.
What are the recommended specs (processor, RAM, motherboard, etc. for running the software?
Thanks

You really don't want a laptop at all.

 

[paulski07]

Hi, looking at the £1000 budget area give or take.

 

[FLUDDzone]

Here is what I recommend for around $1100 USD. Which is about 890 euros. You can always get faster RAM or buy more case fans if you have more money.

Case: Any Micro ATX case you like. ($40-$100)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4-M LGA 1155 ($90)
CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1220 V2 Ivy Bridge 3.1GHz ($220)
CPU Cooler: ZALMAN CNPS20LQ ($95)
Power Supply: COOLER MASTER Silent Pro Gold Series RS800-80GAD3-US 800W ($160) For overclocking CPU: 1000W ($200)
Sound Card: Asus Zonar Essence STX ($200)
RAM: Corsair Vengence 16GB Dual Channel DDR3 CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9 ($110)
SSD: OCZ Technology 128GB Vertex 4 Series ($110) You won't really need terabytes of storage unless you plan on sharing this computer with five of your friends. When you start running out of space in a few years, you can just buy a new SSD.
DVD Burner: LG GH24NS90 ($17)

 

[jcoultas98]

The I7 2600K is significantly stronger CPU, I'd still go that route with an LGA1155 x68 motherboard. Other than that, that looks like a good build.

 

[FLUDDzone]

How is i7 2600K stronger?

 

[jcoultas98]

http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Xeon+E31220+%40+3.10GHz
http://www.servethehome.com/intel-xeon-e3-1220-sandy-bridge-benchmarks-review/

The 2600k Benches nearly 30% higher in CPUMARK12. The software package the OP is referring to, Propellerhead Reason, scales VERY well with hyperthreading. The Xeon E3 1220 doesn't have it.

 

[FLUDDzone]

Ah. Okay.

 

[paulski07]

Thanks guys, I'll give it a whirl.

 

[paulski07]

Hi again, for a bit more I can get an i7 3770K, would it be worth the little extra over the 2600K?

 

[jcoultas98]

Absolutely, if its in the budgeet! It's the successor to the 2600k. You won't get much more performance vs the 2600k, but it is indeed still a smidge faster.

 

[paulski07]

Is it worth getting 2133mhz over 1600mhz 16GB RAM also?
Cheers

 

[jcoultas98]

MMM you could argue yes, but i'd personally say no. If you were running your CPU at 100% 24/7, yes, it would be faster, but that's not realistic. Most of the overhead in your software is CPU theads.

 

[paulski07]

Last questions, why such a high wattage power supply (800 or 1000), couldn't a 650w do? and any other sound card suggestions?
Thanks for all your help.

 

[jcoultas98]

Yes a 650 is fine without a massive gaming video card (you should just use something like a GT520, or an HD 6450). Just get a quality PSU. I use a Corsair HX850 on my gaming computer, and a TX650 on my home server. The main difference, is the HX has modular internal connectors. You only connect what you need. They make a 650, 750, 850, and 1000 in the TX and HX line.

 

[paulski07]

I watch alot of web streamed films and sport also so am thinking of a 7750 or so card. I have the 6450 in my current pc but am looking for improved viewing quality. Cheers

 

[jcoultas98]

That'll work too. If you are going to be gaming, I have to recommend stepping up further in your card though. The 7850, and 560Ti are cheap enough to justify. Sounds like you have a plan! Good luck!

 

[paulski07]

Cheers

 

[cgner]

Like others said. Forget laptops. They are for typing/browsing/ traveling. Hardly any performance u can get from them.