Hey everyone! I'm looking to build a PC primarily for music production with Ableton Live Suite 12, along with some 3D modeling using Cinema 4D and the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite. I work with various sample libraries, managing projects that typically include 10 to 16 tracks, including using Kontakt Player and other Native Instruments libraries. On the design side, I primarily use Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, InDesign, and Premiere, along with Cinema 4D for environmental design.
I'm considering starting my build with an AMD Ryzen 9 9950x3D CPU paired with an MSI X870E-P PRO WIFI motherboard from Microcenter. I'm planning to get a 3070 ti GPU from a friend as well. I'd like a CPU cooler that's quiet for recording, but I haven't narrowed down my choices for other components yet. I'm also looking for a good monitor with color accuracy that works with a monitor arm mount, and I want to keep the overall build under $2500. Additionally, I have two dogs at home that shed quite a bit. Any tips on preventing pet hair from clogging my PC would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your input!
2 Answers
It sounds like a solid start, but the Ryzen 9 9950x3D might be overkill for what you need. Ableton and the Adobe suite don’t usually demand that level of CPU power unless you’re using very resource-heavy plugins on all tracks. The 3070 ti is decent but not the best for heavy 3D rendering tasks. As for RAM, prices are quite high right now; I'd suggest keeping an eye on sales or used options if you're looking for a 64 GB set. Have you thought about maybe going with a different CPU/GPU combo that's a bit more balanced for your uses? You could check out alternatives like Intel for CPUs or lower-tier AMD options that might not break the bank.
Just a heads up about Microcenter—make sure you check their inventory online before going. I've found that some locations have better stock than others. By the way, make sure your monitor is well-calibrated for color; that can really help with your design work! And as for keeping pet hair out, consider getting dust filters to add to your case and perhaps a small vacuum or air blower to keep things clean around your setup.
Thanks for the tips! I’ll definitely look into dust filters. What tools do you recommend for cleaning around the setup?

Which combo would you recommend then for these tasks? I’ve seen discussions about Macs too, but I'd like the customization of a PC more. And I hear you about RAM prices; it's pretty wild right now!