Basic Computer Components for Music Production

Processor/CPU (Central Processing Unit)

This is the brain of your computer. It’s responsible for running the operating system and all your software.

Importance: The faster and more powerful the CPU, the more tracks and audio effects you can use within a single DAW project.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

This is your system’s short-term memory. It temporarily stores all the information that your CPU uses for time-sensitive tasks like playing back a recording of a piano note the instant you press a key on your MIDI keyboard.

Importance: The more RAM a computer has, the more sampled instruments you can playback simultaneously.

Basic: 16 GB

HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive)

Hard Drives, in general, store all your long-term data, like your operating system, software, and project files. The major difference between HDD and SSD is cost and speed. HDDs are cheaper and slower. SSDs are more expensive and faster.

Importance: The faster the hard drive, the faster programs will launch or sampled instruments will load.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

This processes visual data and outputs images to your display.

Importance: For music production, a high-end GPU is less important. However, it is handy if you plan on working in games or doing lots of video editing.