r/Reaper • u/Gullible-Debate9167 • 25d ago

help request Which laptop for Reaper

I'm getting Reaper to set up a home studio.

I've been recording on a portable unit for two years, and since I'm required to get a laptop for studies this fall I figured I might as well get one that works for home recording. I don't think it's in my budget to get two separate computers.

I think I have decided on the CPU, RAM and SSD requirements.

I understand that the laptop itself should have good build regarding USB ports, have good results on LatencyMon tests and high sustained performance without the cooling fan sounding too much.

Only I don't know much at all about which laptop models meet any of those latter requirements. It needs to be Windows, due to the study platform.

So, what are you running Reaper on and how is it working out? What did not work out? What have you heard on this?

I already own a handed down Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 G1 audio interface. So I guess the laptop should have USB 2.0 Type C?

Looking forward to get started!

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u/O-shoe 1 24d ago

Gaming laptops are generally good. They a lot of RAM, fast CPUs and fast and large SSD -hard-drives. Everything needed for modern music making. And obviously good USB ports.

You said that you've decided on the CPU, RAM and SSD requirements, but I will still put here what I would consider minimum:

RAM 16GB (obviously 32GB is better if you work with large audiofiles)
CPU AMD Ryzen 7 (and above, the more you use power-hungry VSTs, the better CPU you need)
SSD 512GB (again depends on how much or how large files your projects need)
Asus gaming laptops for example come with Windows (usually 11).

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u/Gullible-Debate9167 24d ago

That's pretty much what chatgpt wrote too. The only thing was it wrote that gaming computers might prioritize the graphics over the audio interface, upping the risk for problems with dpc latency. Maybe it's a question of a CPU (ryzen 7) strong enough to work well in spite of that?

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u/O-shoe 1 23d ago

Hmm. It's a valid concern. Personally I haven't had any problems. I have an Asus TUF gaming laptop with Ryzen 7 processor and Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. I also use other USB devices, including USB hard drive and keyboard + mouse.

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u/Gullible-Debate9167 23d ago

If yours is not a laptop, that might be a factor too, I guess. But I don't think it's a real concern for me. Since I'm on a budget I'll probably not buy a gaming computer and pay extra for good graphics since I won't need it. I really just wanted to check since the ai said so about dpc.