Build for basic work with a few caveats

[PineyCreek]

Ok, so this build isn't for gaming.  It never will be.  Let's get that out of the way right now. It will also not be a showpiece.

 

My intent is a basic build with relatively new tech that will run basic sound editing software, drive two to three monitors (third can be with USB dongle) and be relatively quiet.  However, I want to at least somewhat give it a decent lifespan with the idea that maybe it will be used for more intensive work in the future, even if that means adding parts or replacing the CPU.  I'm looking for comments, cost-cutting opportunities, performance gains, etc.  I do mean basic software, like Audacity, and will drive some projectors for presentations, etc.  The heavy lifting on sound will be done by an external sound mixer board with encoding...the software is just recording the data via USB directly into WAV.

 

To that end, here's what I've got.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 2400G 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($163.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus - Prime X470-Pro ATX AM4 Motherboard  ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Flare X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory  ($239.99 @ Newegg Business)
Storage: Samsung - 860 Evo 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair - 300R ATX Mid Tower Case  ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA G3 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($53.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $832.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-05-06 08:05 EDT-0400

 

This is completely negotiable, for example, I could cut mem from 16 to 8, could go to a 2200G potentially.  Trying to avoid a GPU for now, and this system won't be running a graphic-intensive load, save driving multiple monitors at 1080p.  The X470 board has two integrated video outputs, and then I have the option of going to a non-APU model in a couple of years maybe.  Also might be a few months, so maybe will be able to save a buck by dropping to a B450 board.  Looking for comments, cost cutting opportunities, more bang for the buck, while keeping the system quiet.  Keeping memory high-end since it might make a difference in Vega performance in addition to the normal benefits with Ryzen architecture.

 

Oh, and I do need at least one external 5.25"...so pretty much mid-tower is what I'm looking at.

 

I'm not tied to Ryzen, so if Intel presents a more compelling argument, I'll go that route.  I might be able to source a Ryzen APU at company store rates though from a friend.

[AskTJ]

- Sound card

- If your not gaming it processing a lot with the CPU, consider cutting down the speed to 2400MHz if it is alright with you

- Change the SSD to a 250Gb and have a normal 1TB drive for pure storage. This will give you more storage at the same price, while keeping the SSD for a boot OS.

 

Other than that, it will do fine.

[GER_T4IGA]

29 minutes ago, PineyCreek said:

basic sound editing software

so software only? no hardware stuff like
http://dangerousmusic.com/product/compressor/

Do you have your outputs figured out? External DAC+AMP ?  

PAying 240 bucks for memory in an 850-ish build seems very unreasonable to me. Can you quote requirements or load the software creates? My audio engineer friend seems to be only CPU reliant so a fast single core speed would be the best bet (he is using a Mac book Pro though and probably throttling heavily). In this case maybe something like an 8350k or 7600k but I have not gambled out the cost or anything. Just thinking out loud for now.

[PineyCreek]

Maybe I should be more specific on basic sound editing software, I'll update the original post.