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Cost Effective computer

Buying or building computers for Hauptwerk, recommendations, troubleshooting computer hardware issues.
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engrssc

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Cost Effective computer

PostTue May 04, 2021 2:30 pm

If this sounds like an editorial - You've got that right :)

Inspired by a recent post by Richard

https://forum.hauptwerk.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=19732

With all due respects, his request is quite common and very understandable. I think most of us toyed with that question. Let's face it, while HW is a wonderful piece of software, depending on many factors, it, in itself has cost factors involved. Then. too, there are "some" technical issues.

All that being said, THE computer to be used is right up there with important considerations. Not that I'm reading Richard's use of "cost effective" as meaning cheap (which sometimes is the case), what I have found, generally, when applying cheap[ to tech stuff, is you get what you pay for, with some few exceptions.

All this leading up to a suggestion (remember I mentioned editorializing) basically is to build your own HW computer. I feel safe in offering that suggestion by the fact that a good share of those that can setup and operate Hauptwerk very likely have the skill set necessary to also build their own computer.

Fact checking:
With the CORRECT hardware and know how this project can be done in something like two hours. I base this on the fact that I have (successfully) built now 6 of these machines. With the oldest now running reliably for 3 years. Each one worked "right-out-of-the box(es)."

The cost effective part is that by doing it yourself, you eliminate the pre-built computer manufacturer's (for their own purpose) cost cuts not to mention profit as a tradeoff for a solid, reliable (basic) computer. You will find wild price swings these days. Blame it on Covid, crypto mining or any number of things. My strategy has been to create a "wishlist" on sites such as Amazon, Newegg, B&H camera, etc, and check daily for the best prices. It seems everyday something new computer wise pops up with the purpose to make all past stuff old and "obsolete" which isn't always the case.

As far as know-how, check out the following video . Good stuff. Plus there Is a drop down parts list under the video.

And these parts are compatible and work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_71ArmcP9G8

A secondary plus is knowing that you were able to do it with updates a future possibility.

Rgds,
Ed
Last edited by engrssc on Tue May 04, 2021 4:09 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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engrssc

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Re: Cost Effective computer

PostTue May 04, 2021 3:14 pm

And yes I realize that newer Intel boards use LGA 1200 sockets and there are 10th gen and higher cpu's. However, I can for sure vouch for this above build that it does work reliably. ! find this to be useful at a reasonable cost. (Effective?) 8)

A consideration needs to be whether having the newest, latest and greatest parts warrant the extra costs. But if that's important to you, go for it. :wink:

Rgds,
Ed
Last edited by engrssc on Wed May 05, 2021 4:47 am, edited 1 time in total.
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dw154515

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Re: Cost Effective computer

PostTue May 04, 2021 10:51 pm

I’ll add my two-cents, here. I build my computers, too. I am just slightly better than “novice” when it comes to building computers, I’d say. I always use PCpartPicker.com . It definitely helps keep the cost down and assuming you can follow directions, it’s easy enough. That site will actually walk you through the entire build and only allow you to pick compatible parts. I’ve built a few different machines using that site and they’ve all worked great, including the GUMC computer.
Drew A. Worthen
Master of Music in Composition - Butler University
http://www.drewworthen.com
Director of Music & Website Admin - Greenwood UMC
http://www.greenwoodumc.org
Design Engineer - American Sound and Electronics - Indy
https://americansound.cc/
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engrssc

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Re: Cost Effective computer

PostWed May 05, 2021 2:45 am

Very good suggestion, Drew. I've used them (https://pcpartpicker.com) as well and still do. Keeps from using incompatible parts which can cause many issues. As I tried to point out, building your own computer (with proper hardware and information) is a very doable ad-venture and is worthwhile to consider. As compared to buying a pre-built. Starting with a plan as to what you want the computer to do (within a reasonable budget) is a good first step. My thought - building a computer initially appears to be (extremely) complex something like going into a strange area without a map (or a GPS device). But today, as Drew points out, there are many resources available. I consider this Forum on my list of resources.

Where there can be a problem is using incompatible components (for whatever reason), and not observing the proper procedures. The same problems exist when setting up Hauptwerk. It's amazing how much information is contained within the Hauptwerk 6.0.2 Installation and User Guide. Admittedly, sometimes my issue is trying to decide and define what is THE problem.

Rgds,
Ed
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engrssc

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Re: Cost Effective computer

PostWed May 05, 2021 4:07 am

Another possible computer issue resource is Doug Betts

His web page:

http://livewindowstraining.com/

His email:

dougbetts@livewindowstraining.com,

Doug is a professional computer tech who offers his service to solve computer related issues. He does this via prearranged live YouTube sessions using Zoom as well as a software Internet connection (InstantHouseCall) to a person's computer. In that way, he troubleshoots problems and offers solutions. While Doug doesn't suggest parts for a computer build, many times in the (live) Chat Room is a person who does. Her name is Kathrin Anna Hausermann.

https://www.facebook.com/haeusermannannakathrin

She is very knowledgeable in helping to pick proper computer components and does this service for free. She formerly worked for IBM and presently lives in Cartagena, Colombia. You can also reach out to her on Doug (or Carey Holzman's) Chat Rooms during their live YouTube broadcasts.

Rgds,
Ed

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