Serious Headache!

[BlindMelon7]

I'm getting increasingly frustrated with my live performance setup. At first I was planning on using a laptop, but from talking to a few people (and from doing a gig with my desktop, which went down really well) I'm starting to think that I'd be better off going the desktop route. Mainly due to the fact I can use PCI instead of Firewire (which would have latency problems with the amount of crap I use )

I'd like to get a rackmount case (there isn't much choice on scan, so I will probably be looking at something like this . The only reason I'm going for a rackmounted box is that they seem much more solid, and I can have it wired up in a flight case without having to set it up. But if anyone can suggest a regular ATX case that's up to it that would be great!

Processor wise I'll look at probably the E7400, and overclock it if needs be. With 4gb of DDR2 to go with it (only need 800mhz, no point in getting anything faster).

I'll use my current GFX (ATI X1950 pro), HDs (Raptor 34gb, Spinpoint 500gb and a 250gb Baracuda) and power supply (Xcylo 550 watt).

As for the motherboard, I'm completely stuck. I'd rather not spend over £80. There are so many motherboards on scan! As long as it has decent cooling I'll be ok. This caught my eye, because its cheap and got fairly good reviews, but its getting on a bit. What C2D mobo is everyone using atm?

I'd really appreciate any help with this. I'm looking to order something today or tomorrow.

[BlindMelon7]

I ended up buying an E7400, 4gb XMS2 and the DFI mobo. Cant wait for them to arrive

For the case, I bought an X-Case RM 404. I'm hoping it will be ok

[peterb]

Glad you found a solution, but sorry you didn't get a lot of help on this occasion - I guess it was just that bit too specialised...

[BlindMelon7]

Hehe, thanks anyway

Hopefully it won't blow up in my face! I'm a bit worried about buying a case from someone I've never heard of, but the antec rackmount cases were £400 so I don't have much choice.

[CrazyMonkey]

The DFI board is solid, you shouldnt have any problems with it mate

[derchris]

May I point you to the following 2 websites?

http://www.djtechtools.com/forum/
http://createdigitalnoise.com/

Should go and ask there, as many of the users or the website owners itself are live performer.

[BlindMelon7]

The DFI board is solid, you shouldnt have any problems with it mate

I just got an email from scan saying it has been discontinued! I need to find an alternative FAST! I don't mind spending a bit more.

Thanks for the links! I'm having a look now

[DanceswithUnix]

That is quite a case there. What sort of live performance are you doing, body building?

Will a nice little Shuttle not do the job?
You can get carry bags for them as well.

[BlindMelon7]

Yeah, but you cant use ATX stuff with a shuttle. All my other gear is rackmount so I might as well

Any recomendations on the motherboard? I might try to find the same board on ebay.

[BlindMelon7]

I think I'm going to go for either an MSI P43 or an MSI P45. I'm trying to work out if its worth the extra cost.

Sorry for being annoying, I'm sick of motherboards. I just want to get building and playing!

Cheers