OK [mention]Greg_L[/mention] , this is a somewhat lazy first attempt, but I think that it at least shows that we can part out a solid audio machine that's fast, quiet, compact, and has hella storage for under $700. I'm sure that prices of each component will vary a bit by vendor, so if you wanted to get everything from the same place, there'll be a bit of a premium for that.
You can see the build at this link:
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/9BTxzY
To geek out about it a bit:
- AMD Ryzen is a great CPU, and delivers terrific performance for the price. Also includes a very capable CPU cooler. No need for additional cooler.
- The Ryzen 2400G has very capable integrated graphics that should drive multiple displays without breaking a sweat. No need for additional graphics card.
- The motherboard is a Micro ATX form factor, which limits expandability but allows for a compact build
- The chassis is a compact Micro ATX mini tower, with no fancy bells or whistles. Nice subtle understated design that doesn't scream "adolescent gamer"
- 16GB of RAM, plenty for your use case
- A super fast 250GB M.2 system drive, and a gigantic 2TB mass storage drive for all of your current projects, all of your past projects, and all of your great-great grandchildrens' projects to come.
- A couple of nice PWM chassis fans (120mm intake and 92mm exhaust), which should cooperate nicely with the motherboard's fan controls to remain quiet and still keep things cool.
- 550W semi-modular power supply will handle anything you can throw at it
- oh, and a full license for Windows 10 Home edition. No dicking around with trying to upgrade or transfer an existing license
I can take another stab at it tomorrow, but at least this tells me that for $600 - $800 you could build your own audio supercomputer.
I'll see what equivalent computer I can find pre-built, just to compare.