Jack Stoner

Another option is to have Jim Roseberry build you a custom DAW machine. He is THE MAN!

I considered a Dell when I built my last system, but the limited expansion and proprietary hardware nixed it (Dell uses 6 pin and 8 pin motherboard power connections not the standard 24 pin ATX). Even though I'm on the Dell forum .

As I noted on the Dell forum, in order to get a useable machine for specific applications such as DAW, users are doing a clean install. Windows OS, needed device drivers and DAW applications (and Latency Mon). That's what I had to do on a Dell laptop to have a clean DAW machine (actually a dual boot - 1. The original Dell disc image and 2. The clean install for DAW use).

I posted another response on the Dell forums.

Just saw reference to this NVIDIA custom installer. I have AMD Radeon so I can't test it. NVCleanstall v1.16.0 Download | TechPowerUp NVCleanstall lets you customize the NVIDIA GeForce Driver package by removing components that you don't need (or want). This not only keeps things tidy, but also lowers disk usage and memory footprint. Unlike the NVIDIA custom installation, you can unselect packages like "Stereo 3D Glasses", "USB-C", Notebook Optimizations or Telemetry from the NVIDIA drivers.

Just as a follow up, friend reports new DAW PC running OK, no problems in ProTools.

Thanks for the info, especially the special drivers if needed.

I've always been a "no NVIDIA" video for DAW's, dating back to my experiences, as far back as Vista. Now, I'm helping configure a new Win 11 DAW PC for a (ProTools) friend. It has an NVIDIA RTX 3060 and Resplendence Latency Mon does not report any problems! Jim Roseberry, what has changed?

You don't need an i9. Its way overkill. I could have easily used an i5 or i7 CPU. The i9 generates more heat to contend with and on mine there are cores that are never used. Thus my suggestion is either an i5 or i7 12th or 13th gen CPU. Memory is overkill too. I have 16GB and rarely use over 8 GB. SSD's for OS and programs and data. Unless you are into gaming or high end graphics, the built in CPU graphics are all that's` required.

What is the actual Dell model? Support Assist can be an issue with audio. Disable it in startup, but don't uninstall it as it integrates with the POST (Power On Self Test) and the Dell hardware diagnostics. (Restart the PC after disabling). The 16X08 appears to be one problem, since other interfaces appear to run OK. If the TASCAM drivers are not specified for Win 11, install them in a compatibility mode for whatever Windows version they are for (e.g. Win 10). Finally download and run Resplendence Latency Mon and see what that shows.

10th Gen CPU meets Microsoft's hardware requirements for Win 11. My 9th gen i9 9900K runs Win 11 and Cakewalk without problems.

Cakewalk works and looks the same whether on a laptop or a desktop. Works the same regardless of Windows OS version. I have a laptop I used for on-site (live) recordings. I had an MOTU 8 channel (8 analog preamps) USB connected recording interface. Laptop worked great after "taming" (latency and dropouts). I have an old (2017) Dell "gaming" laptop. It has a 7th gen i5 CPU (Not officially Win 11 compatible). It came with a 130 watt power adapter rather than the puny 60 or 90 many come with. A gaming laptop was selected as it has better air flow and cooling. The cooling and higher power adapter are a plus when the laptop is powered on and used for long periods. I find recording a 4 hour gig requires the PC to be on nearly 6 hours. If I were to buy a new recording laptop today, same requirements for type and at least a current production i5 CPU and Windows 11.

That was flagged last week on the eleven.com forum.

This time of year in the cold climates static electricity can be an issue. Even in warm Florida, where I live, Murphy's Law applies and I wear a grounded wrist strap when working with computer "innards".

13th gen is out.