5 Best Desktop Computers for Music Production in 2023

We looked over some of the best budget and professional laptop options in the last article, so let’s take a look at some desktop computer options for your home studio.

Although it’s possible to put together a home studio on a pretty low budget, your computer is the one item that may cost more than the rest of your other gear.

Recording and mixing music can require a lot of power from your computer. While inexpensive, base-model computers may work for smaller projects, they can struggle once the demands from your productions increase.

The more power you can get, the better. Even though today’s budget computers are becoming increasingly more powerful, you still have to consider the system requirements from your DAW, your interface, and any other software you may be using, and choose a the most powerful computer you can afford that fits within those specs.

Processor:

8-core processors or above are most ideal, but smaller processors can still get you started.

Memory:

The more RAM you can get the better. At a bare minimum 8 GB is what most DAWs will recommend. If you can afford 16 GB of RAM to start, you will be in a much better position.

Storage:

Go for the largest and fastest drive you can afford. SSD drives are best for their fast data transfer and this makes them great for music production. I would recommend aiming for at least 256GB or more since all of your recorded files and software can take up a TON of space.

Connectivity:

Computers today seem to be including less and less ports, meaning that hubs and adapters have become a new normal. Realistically, how many devices will you have to connect to be up and running? You may have to connect a keyboard, mouse, interface, MIDI controller, licensing dongles, external drives, etc.

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The Mac mini can make a great home studio computer without really breaking the bank. You can choose from 3 models with the new Apple M2 chip.

The Mac Mini starts at only $599 and includes an 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 8GB RAM, and 256 SSD storage. It has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, and one HDMI port. This is configurable with up to 24GB RAM and up to 2TB SSD storage as well.

The other models include upgraded features and specs, such as the Apple M1 Pro chip, additional memory & storage, and additional connectivity options as well.

Starting at only $369, the Geekom Mini IT8 can get you recording your smaller music projects at a minimum expense.

This computer includes an Intel i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 256 SSD storage. It is configurable up to 16GB RAM and 512 storage for an additional $70 (recommended). The processor isn’t as powerful as some of the others on this list and it may struggle under larger projects. However, you still have options like “freezing tracks” within most DAWs to help alleviate the workload if needed.

Apple’s Mac Studio has a ton of power and a small footprint. The base model starts at $1,999 and includes an M1 MAX chip with a 10-core CPU, 32GB RAM, and 512 SSD storage. It has two USB-C ports, four Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, and one HDMI port. It is configurable up to a 20-core CPU, 64GB RAM, and 8TB storage.

Their second version of this starts out at $3,999 and swaps out the 10-core M1 MAX chip for the Apple M1 Ultra Chip with a 20-core CPU. It comes with 64GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage. It has six Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, and one HDMI port. It is configurable up to 128GB RAM, 8TB storage, and the processor is upgradable as well.

Either of these would be a solid choice for a professional or home recording studio computer.

Getting a custom-built PC can save you money while getting you huge specs, but this doesn’t mean you need to build it yourself! There are many companies that offer pre-built custom computers that are ready to ship.

For instance, iBUYPOWER is known for their custom builds. They have plenty of pre-built options on their website that will provide some huge bang for your buck and will handle all of your studio needs.

If you consider a custom build, simply browse their (or another reputable company’s) computers and find a pre-built option with the specs you need. This can get you a powerful studio computer while saving you from the headache of building your own custom PC.

Get yourself a refurbished Mac computer for your studio starting as low as $69! OWC is one of the leading companies for Mac upgrades and Mac computer resales.

Their computers are all inspected and tested by Apple Certified Technicians, they are upgradeable to higher performance specs when purchasing, and all come with a 14-day money-back guarantee. Any of these Macs will run GarageBand for free (or your DAW of choice) and will have recording your own music in no time.

If you aren’t limited by your budget and want the best of the best, the latest Mac Pro’s are insane. They start out at $5,999 and include an 8-core Intel Xeon W processor, 32GB RAM, and 512GB SSD storage. It has four Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C ports, two USB 3 ports, two HDMI ports, and two 10GB Ethernet ports. They even offer a rack-mountable version of this computer as well.

This Mac Pro is configurable up to a 28-core processor, 1.5TB RAM, and 8TB storage, among other upgrades. Maxing out this Mac Pro would set you back around $52,000, but that is completely unnecessary for any home studio. The base model would provide plenty enough power for even some of the most extreme studio tasks.

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Some of these links above are affiliate links where I earn a very small commission at no additional cost to you. You have no obligation to purchase through these links, but it does help to support From Zero To Studio so I can continue providing you with valuable content.

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