Let’s talk components. Not all studios are Mac-based these days, and since Apple decided to produce its chips in-house, the market has become very competitive. Whether you’re considering a new studio PC build or just upgrading your current desktop PC, there are factors to consider before buying. Here’s what to look for in your quest to find the best processor for music production.
How to choose the best CPU for music production:
Compatibility
Your current office envelope and motherboard have some sspecifications and standards. It is important to choose a CPU that is not only compatible with your material, but also ooptimized for the Operating system version you run. Also, if you do a Operating system update To get the most out of a new processor, it’s crucial that it’s optimized for your JACKDAW and plugins.
Energetic efficiency
the CISC processors that you find in most desktop computers are designed to support high performance completed tasks long periods. This amounts to minimizing energy consumption is generally not a priority when designing these chips. Keep that in mind because you might want to explore multiphase power solutions, power conditionersand voltage regulators before overloading outlets in your workshop.
Cooling
Thermal efficiency is a factor that can affect the whole performance of your system. Many high-end desktop processors do not have cooling unitsso remember to match your CPU to a recommended one Cooling system before going to maximize the performance from your office. In addition, efficient cooling increase longevity of your Components so don’t skimp here.
Games
Most high-end desktop processors are designed and marketed for video game. This is purely due to the sheer market size. That doesn’t mean they’re unsuitable for music production purposes and certainly don’t require investing in a high-end one. Discrete GPU Is. Be sure to check Geekbench scores and DAW testing wherever possible.
What is the best processor for music production?
Your choice may be influenced by your Operating system version and the software you are working with, or the other Components in your system. Either way, we can find something suitable for your budget. Be sure to take note of the terms specified by the manufacturer before making your choice.
Intel Core i5-12400
For those on a budgetthe Intel Core i5-12400 is a good starting point for building your studio PC. Although being on the entry level side, it’s still a 12th generation Alder Lake processor with all the latest connectivity standards. Embedded Intel UHD 730 Graphics, PCG 2020C cooling and support for both DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 make it a viable option.
Additionally, the ability to support up to 4 screens directly from the Integrated GPU is a very useful feature. Your workstation is one of many expenses to consider for your setup. $169.99 the starting price leaves room for infinite spaces that require an investment in a studio.

Intel Core i5-12400
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X is a 8 hearts, 16 sons Desktop CPU with a base clock of 3.4GHz. Performance is enhanced by a 32 MB L3 cache, but as with all AMD chips it still works DDR4 memory and PCIe 4.0. The 5700X has no integrated GPU or coolingso be sure to find compatible solutions for it to work optimally.
A rather useful feature is AMD StoreMI, which adjusts your SSD for even faster and more efficient performance. It decreases boot time and the loading time on your most commonly used apps, which is definitely beneficial for DAW users. Currently available for $311.65the 5700X gives you great overall value.

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
Intel Core i7 12700K
the 3.60GHz 12th generation Intel Core i7 12700K has all the functionality of the i5, but with double the processing cores. His 8 performances and 4 efficiency cores give you a total of 20 treatment threads. This makes the i7 12700K an easy choice for Upgrade your studio office.
Apart from that, it also has improvements energetic efficiency through the Intel 7 Architecturewhile a 25 MB L3 caching improves performance. Moreover, the integration Intel UHD graphics processor saves you from having to install a discrete graphics card and support for multiple screens makes it perfect for studio use. The i712700K is priced at $381.99.
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
the 3.4GHz, 8 hearts, 16 sons Ryzen 7 5800X3D the processor is top of the range SCRC CPU designed for gaming. However, the monster 96 MB L3 cache memoryand 128 GB RAM Its capacity also makes it powerful enough for professional applications. Note that this model has no integrated graphics processor or Cooling system. So be sure to budget accordingly for these additional costs.
To $594it’s a huge expense, but it offers huge processing power with AMD 3D virtual cache technology and vast connectivity options. Despite his incredible performance however, the 5800X3D still performs standards such as DDR4 memory modules and PCIe 4.0 which makes it a little less scalable.

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Intel Core i9-12900KS
Use of a similar hybrid RISK architecture to Apple’s ARM processors, this 3.4GHz 12th generation Intel Core i9-12900KS distributes operations over 8 performances and 8 efficiency cores. Intel wire director allows the management of 24 processing threadscomposed of 16 on the P-coresand 8 on the E-cores.
Additionally, the chip supports all the latest standards such as DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0. The i9-12900KS (FKA Alder Lake) also includes the integrated Intel processor UHD Graphics 770 graphics card and Intel Increase in thermal speed. At the price of $779.99, it is one of the latest desktop processors from Intel. Be sure to check the list of compatible devices chipsets before pulling the trigger on it.

Intel Core i9-12900KS
Learn more about processors:
Videos:
Note: This article contains affiliate links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always remains the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!