The best computers for music production from famous brands.
If you are looking for a powerful computer that can be used for various music production tasks, you need to learn more about the specifications you should pay attention to.
I have compiled this list to help you find a PC that will allow you to run the best free audio editing software. As there are many decent models available, you need to narrow down your choice to select the best computer for music production and other advanced tasks.
It’s worth remembering that high-end computers with powerful specs are more reliable and will last longer than budget devices. At the end of the article, you will find a guide that will make it easier for you to decide which model suits your needs most and help you choose the best PC for music production.
CPU: 3.0GHz Intel Core i7-9700F | GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti | RAM: 16 GB | ROM: 240GB SSD + 1TB HDD | Weight: 31.5 pounds
While the iBUYPOWER Element 9260 was designed for gamers, it can be used for music production as well. This computer comes at an affordable price and delivers good performance. Besides, you can choose any of the available configurations.
I have tested a model fitted with a 9th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti GPU. This computer can be used for media content creation and various work-related tasks which makes it one of the best PCs for music production at this price range.
CPU: 3.2GHz AMD Ryzen 5 1600 | GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti | RAM: 16 GB | ROM: 1 TB | Weight: 23 pounds
The Skytech Blaze is another gaming computer that will be a great option for anyone who has a recording studio but don’t want to invest in the best laptop for making beats. Even if you buy a model with a basic configuration of specs, it will deliver a powerful performance. Besides, you can further upgrade it depending on your needs.
This computer can easily beat even the most expensive models on the market. The only downside is that it doesn’t support VR games. However, if you are interested in music production rather than gaming, its budget price and impressive performance are enough to disregard some minor shortcomings.
CPU: 3.6GHz Intel Core i9-9900K | GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 | RAM: 32 GB | ROM: 1 TB | Weight: 29.2 pounds
Just like other Obelisk computers, this PC comes without advanced specifications. However, it’s still capable of solving all daily tasks. If you need to find the best computer for music production at a low price, it’s a great option to consider.
There is no need to upgrade it, as it can run powerful software right from the start. Unless you decide to replace it with a high-end PC in the future, this computer will serve you for years to come.
CPU: 3.6GHz AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 | RAM: 16 GB | ROM: 500 GB | Weight: 32.5 pounds
This computer will be perfect for those who want to purchase a PC for a home recording studio that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. You won’t be bothered by distracting noises as its performance is almost soundless. Its main advantages are an amazing design and a nicely organized cabling system.
The sides of the computer are made of glass. Fan dust covers come with special magnets. You can easily access USB and output ports. If you want it to be even more affordable, you can buy a model without peripheral devices and a Windows license.
CPU: 2.9GHz Intel Core i5 9400F | GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 | RAM: 8 GB | ROM: 500 GB | Weight: 28 pounds
This SkyTech computer comes with a metal case with a glass door and a special dust cover with magnets. You can control LEDs with the help of an RGB button. The peripherals are of top-notch quality as well. You will enjoy using its mechanical keyboard with RGB backlighting and a base made of metal.
It’s possible to quickly contact the support team by using special shortcuts. Besides, you can receive a $10 Amazon gift card from SkyTech if you review this computer after buying it.
CPU: 3.8GHz Intel Core i7 | GPU: AMD Radeon Pro 5500 XT | RAM: 8 GB | ROM: 512 GB | Weight: 19.7 pounds
This computer comes with a high-quality display with P3 color gamut support, which accounts for perfect image quality. It can be used for editing various media files, including audio tracks. Thanks to its large display, you can solve several tasks at once. It’s fitted with a speedy processor that can easily handle resource-consuming software.
What makes it the best computer for making music is its wide connectivity options. Besides Thunderbolt 3, this PC is equipped with HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI ports that allow you to connect it to external monitors and other devices. With macOS High Sierra, your data will be safe thanks to extra encryption, easy backups and crash-safe protections. Another advantage is its remarkable battery capacity.
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
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iBUYPOWER Gaming
Our choice
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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HP Omen Obelisk
Premium
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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SkyTech Shadow
Budget
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CHECK PRICE → |
The good thing is that you don’t need to shell out thousands of bucks on a music production computer as there are plenty of less expensive models with decent specs. To make the right choice, you need to understand what you are looking for. Make sure to learn more about various computers used for music production and then think carefully about your budget. If you don’t have loads of money, your choice will be more limited. However, it’s still possible to find an affordable model. Remember that it’s worth paying more for a computer as it will help you avoid future upgrades. A reliable computer will help you to solve work-related tasks at a more professional level, so it’s important to invest more.
If you don’t spend much time at your desk and often need to solve various tasks on the go, it might be a smart idea to buy a portable laptop that you can carry around. However, if you prefer to work at your office or studio, you will need to buy a decent desktop computer. For music production tasks, you will need a lot of storage. Desktop PCs come with capacious hard drives, which are perfect for those who work full time and need to keep many media files on their computers.
A good processor is a must for any computer used for producing music, as it allows you to solve all the tasks faster. For instance, you might need to use several VST plug-ins at the same time, export audio files or other data. If your budget is limited, I recommend buying a basic CPU, such as one of Intel’s i5processors or the AMD Ryzen 5. Even if your computer comes with a cheap CPU, it will still be able to run DAW software, however, it will take it longer to solve advanced tasks.
To access data in no time, your computer will store it in random access memory. When you use music editing software, it will use RAM to store sample files and other crucial information that you need to access quickly. Most computers come with enough RAM for music production tasks. Besides, you can upgrade it in the future. I advise you to check if a model of your choice has a free RAM slot. It’s better to purchase a PC with at least 8 GB of RAM.
You need to purchase a computer with at least a basic configuration that includes a 2.2Ghz 4-core processor, 64-bit OS, 16 GB of RAM, a 500 GB HDD and a speedy SSD.
While some people mistakenly believe that memory is crucial for music production, it will suffice to buy a computer with only 8 GB of RAM. However, if you need to store large sample libraries for emulating various music instruments, you will benefit from using a PC with 16 or 32 GB of RAM.
It’s better to purchase a 4-core CPU. Make sure to pay attention to clock speed as well. In most cases, it ranges between 2.4 and 4.2 GHz. The higher the clock speed is, the more quickly your computer will cope with all the tasks.
The list consists of 3 options - macOS, Windows, and Linux. macOS is popular among many music producers due to its seamless integration with professional audio hardware and software, as well as its reputation for stability and reliability. Windows is widely used because of its broad compatibility with a wide range of music production software and hardware. Linux is also gaining popularity as an open-source option for music production, offering flexibility, customization, and cost-effectiveness for tech-savvy users.
Audio interfaces and sound cards compatible with music production computers vary depending on the specific needs and preferences of the user. USB audio interfaces are commonly used due to their ease of connectivity and broad compatibility across operating systems. PCIe sound cards are another option, offering higher performance and lower latency for professional-grade audio production. Moreover, Thunderbolt interfaces are popular among professionals for their high-speed data transfer capabilities and low latency.
When choosing a computer monitor for music production, it is recommended to prioritize a larger size (27 inches or more) to provide ample screen real estate for displaying multiple tracks and plugins simultaneously. Moreover, a higher resolution (such as 1440p or 4K) can enhance the clarity of visual details, waveform editing, and precise control over virtual instruments and effects.
When shopping for a computer for recording live instruments, it's important to prioritize low-latency performance and sufficient input/output capabilities to handle multiple simultaneous audio sources. For electronic music production, a computer with a powerful processor and ample memory is crucial for running resource-intensive virtual instruments and effects plugins smoothly.
