my.IS ::

[xencloud]

Ok, so now that some other issues have been discussed and taken care of, I think we should have a discussion about the actual computer hardware that needs to be used. Carputers are specialized machines, and the carputer I'm building specifically will be the absolute core of my sound processing for audio. Video features won't be as important. (plus a ps3 could be run to a secondary video in on the screen, computer games really aren't necessary, just the audio processing will be needed)

Here's my needs, I have some ideas of what would be good to use, but I'd like to start some discussion from scrath to see what we come up with. This thread can be for computer gurus as well as for audio guys:

1)For SQ purposes, I need a computer that will be able to do well in a passive cooling situation. I might be able to use peltier coolers, etc., but fans will cause noise pickup. This goes for the GFX card too. This means the use of efficient, low heat, low power consumption processors. My DSP programs will cause quite a large load to be put on the processor, 10 channels of audio requires a console audio program with about 20-30 plugins to be open at once to process everything. It might require a multiple processor board. What's the most powerful processor for this task? (64 bit a plus b/c I would like the option to use up and coming OS's)

2)Motherboard would preferably have DDR2 memory, PCI-e slot for GFX, lots of room to expand for drives, PCI slots, etc.

3)GFX card: I need the most powerful PCI-e card available that does not have a fan built on to it. This computer won't be used for many graphically intense games or video, so this is all that will be necessary.

4)lots of USB 2.0 ports (maybe 8 or so), plus I need multiple serial ports for some specialty connections.

5)Needs lots of fast, speedy hard disk space, possibly a VERY fast disk to run the OS off of.

That's about it. I think my problem will be trying to find the best, most powerful CPU/motherboard combo available without getting to much heat. The optical drive will be USB connected, along with lots of other goodies.

Any suggestions would be great! Please le me know what you tihnk would be best! Thanks!


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