Small M.2 SSD is what we now recommend for most clients.

With a M.2 SSD, the machine boots quicker, apps open quicker, and navigating the OS is more "snappy".

Since M.2 SSDs are now about the same cost as SATA SSDs, we're recommending M.2 SSD for an Audio drive. 

Yes, speed-wise it's a bit overkill... but it makes sense to get the significantly faster drive (for the same cost).

Disk-streaming sample libraries is where a SSD really shines.

M.2 Ultra SSDs use 4 PCIe lanes and sustain 3200-7000MB/Sec (17-35 times the speed of conventional HD).

If pushing the limits with disk-streaming sample libraries, M.2 Ultra will yield maximum polyphony.

If 3-5 M.2 SSDs aren't enough for your work/scenario (rare), we can use SATA SSDs in addition to M.2 SSDs.

SATA SSDs sustain ~540MB/Sec.

SATA SSDs are perfect for disk-streaming libraries where you aren't pulling super heavy polyphony.

UHD-770 is fine for straight up audio production (can run a pair of monitors).

For editing/rendering video, you want a RTX card (provides hardware accelerated processing/rendering).

To run three or four monitors, you'll want to select one of the RTX cards.

To run multiple 4k monitors, select one of the RTX cards (connect via HDMI or Display Port).

If you're using a Firewire audio interface or external HD, add a TI chipset Firewire controller.  If not, you don't need this controller.

On the PC, we now have complete "PCIe via Thunderbolt" support.

You must be running an up-to-date install of Win11 and have a motherboard that provides Thunderbolt-4 via USB-C port.

Antelope, RME, MOTU, Presonus, and UA have full "PCIe via Thunderbolt" drivers available.  

If the audio interface is Thunderbolt-2, you'll need a Thunderbolt-3 to Thunderbolt-2 adapter.  (Thunderbolt-4 can use the same adapter)

Many have been waiting for that compelling reason to move to Win11.  With recent builds of Win10, Microsoft has broken the ability to disable CPU core parking.  If you're running a current generation CPU, this is that compelling reason.  For maximum performance (especially at low latency), we need CPU core parking fully disabled. Win11 allows us to fully disable CPU core parking.

All major audio software/hardware is now working well with Windows 11.

"Pro" version has Group Policy Editor (easy to shut down OneDrive, Cortana, etc)... and can fully disable all automatic updates.

This is why we no longer offer Win10 for current generation hardware.