Questions on CPU/GPU for new PC build for DAW running Cubase

Cubase
1

Hello,
I’m just about to update my DAW for various reasons. I’ve a couple of questions regarding what CPU/GPU would run Cubase well.

Build so far:
MSI X870e Tomahawk
Antec P101 Silent Case (12cm fans replaced with 14cm)
XPG Pylon 650 PSU
Zotac GeForce 1650
Various SSD’s (M.2 & Sata)
Steinberg UR24c IO
Thermalright Royal Pretor CPU cooler
Will get 64GB DDR5 Ram of some brand or other.

I’d like to, if possible, run Cubase, VST’s, etc using on-board graphics, to reduce noise levels. Are there any AM5 CPU’s with enough on-board graphical power to do this successfully, or will there always be issues if I don’t use a discrete graphics card? I normally have Cubase open with about 8 VST’s running. Just thinking about ways to reduce noise. Thought about a fanless GPU but then most don’t seem any better than on-chip versions these days.

Secondary to that, what would a good, but budget-friendly AM5 be to get (taking into account the GPU question, above)? I’d be happy to go secondhand for now, get something that works, then upgrade in a few years when AM5 prices fall. I’m thinking 8-core (maybe a Ryzen 7 7800X3D for about 170USD) but would like to get other perspectives.

Thanks.

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AM5? Do you mean AMD?
GPUs, when using Cubase, are usually silent because Cubase barely makes use of the GPU. AMD GPUs come with software that enables one to control the fans. Can’t speak with any authority about Nvidia GPUs.
I’d be more concerned about the noise from the CPU fan - if I was worried about noise.

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Hi Googly_Smythe. Thanks for you thoughts. AM5 is the latest CPU socket on AMD’s roadmap.

The Thermalright Royal Pretor CPU cooler is one of the best performing CPU coolers, adjusted for noise. I also have a 14cm fan Noctua NH-C14S to reduce CPU cooler noise. I have to have a CPU cooler, so there’s not much wiggle room there.
GPU fans are much much smaller therefore much noisier and there’s the possibility of not using a discrete GPU at all, that’s why I’m asking the questions above.

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I was making the point that GPUs, can in fact, be silent when using Cubase. As here, the fans are not spinning, so the GPU is silent.

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This is what I built and why:

It also includes a little section on GPU.

Spoiler: The builtin GPU was fine for running Cubase, but became a bottleneck for all the increasingly graphically intense newer plugins I like to utilize. (It also makes SpectraLayers Pro work quite a bit faster. )

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Great. Thank you.

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Cubase doesn’t need any enhanced graphic capabilities. The graphics on your motherboard should be fine. I have a graphics card in my DAW, but only because I have 4 monitors and the onboard only had 2 connectors.

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You seem to have gone a very similar route to myself. I bought a Core V71 case with big 20cm fans to push lots of air quietly and a MSI X670e Tomahawk which wasn’t bleeding edge but at a good price/value index - eventually used that for my main system as the fans weren’t that quiet. Would get another X670e but the price difference where I am now is pretty small. I bought the X670e for 229USD, now it’s over 300USD where I am, so the jump to X870e isn’t too much.

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Thanks. So any thoughts on the AM5 CPU to get?

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I’ve been thinking about building with a Ryzen 9 9950X. High clock single core action there. They say the 8950X is good for the money too.

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Those do seem good, but a bit too pricey for me atm. If you had to go for a Ryzen 7 with or without built-in graphics, what would you choose?

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If you’re trying to do this on a budget, then yes get a 7 series APU with integrated graphics. It won’t be a gamer, but you could always upgrade with a dedicated GPU later. If you don’t get an APU you’re going to have to spend more money, probably getting a lesser CPU and crappy dedicated GPU. So in my opinion, when budget is a priority, and gaming is not a necessity, then get the best processor you can afford with integrated graphics. Just make sure you get a big enough case and frame to be able to upgrade. Buy a GPU in the future, and with an AM5 motherboard you can upgrade your processor, and sell the old one eventually.

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Yes, that’s what I thought. Get an APU, see if it works ok. I have the 1650 to slot in if it doesn’t. This build is just for a DAW, so don’t need anything gamey. I’ll keep things running for a good 5 years, fingers crossed, then get a higher-end CPU on the cheap when AM5 is on the way out.

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It will definitely work with Cubase. Cubase is definitely not dependent on a dedicated GPU. At least not yet. Make sure you’re running Windows 11 though. I was reading people are having issues with AM5 if running Win10. I’ve been looking at the ASUS ROG Strix X870-A motherboard, 4 M.2 slots. Two of them PCI 5, and two straight to the CPU. Plus all of the USB I/Os. Has three USB Cs, 8 USB As and even a SPDIF. Definitely future-proof for quite a while.

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Here’s a link to a roundup of tests done by Pete at Scan: Q4 2024 DAWBench round up – Intel Ultra 200 Series and AMD 9800X3D

Here are the three charts, you’ll have to read the article for a description of what each means;

“DSP”:

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“VI”:

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“BUS”:

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I could be wrong about this (I’m still using a 5900X) but don’t all AMD CPUs starting with the 7xxx-series have integrated graphics? I think they are still called CPUs and that AMD has a different lineup that is more similar to an actual “APU”.

In other words any CPU in the 7xxx-series for AM5 will contain an iGPU. Correct me if I got that wrong.

For the record I have an old Radeon VII and my case is pretty open and not designed for silence, and in a regular apartment I can only hear it when it’s under really heavy load. I’m using an air cooler btw. So I agree with everyone saying to try without a dedicated GPU first.

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The point is that all DAWs are optimised to work with :backhand_index_pointing_right:SSE (SSE4) . And the SSE protocol is Intel processors​:index_pointing_up:! AMD processors have only SSE simulation :pensive_face::man_shrugging:. This will be felt at low latency values! Many small inconveniences arise :thinking:.
My choice is Intel.

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What does that even mean?

Check the charts. AMD and Intel both offer great CPUs and trade places in terms of performance depending on what you do.

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I’ve a new build under way, and have chosen the 9700X as a mid-range but low power (65W) 8-core CPU. There are two main reasons I’ve moved from Intel to AMD:

  • I just don’t buy into this (“hybrid”) P/E core marketing; if a core is not good enough, I don’t want it
  • Intel change their sockets too often, requiring new motherboards for every upgrade

The 9700X has integrated graphics that will be more than enough for Cubase. I’ve no ambitions for gaming (but great respect to gamers, for the hardware reviews!), and I may add a graphics card (reluctantly) later, as it does help SpectraLayers sound seperations.

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I never thought I would be writing this, but have you considered an Apple Silicon Mac? If there is no way you would consider it fine, I’ll keep it to myself. If not, I have a few lessons learned you might want to hear.

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Are neural net processors available, on Desktop?