Which Computer for Music Production?
Which Computer for Music Production? Here’s What You Need to Know
Choosing the right computer for music production is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a producer. The wrong setup can slow down your workflow, crash at the worst times, and hold back your creativity. The right setup will feel seamless, reliable, and built to last.
I’ve worked with both PC and Mac, tested different setups, and learned what really matters when picking a machine for music production. Here’s my experience and what you should consider when choosing your setup.
My Journey With Music Production Computers
1. My First Music Production Laptop – Razer Blade Stealth (2016)
One of the first computers used for music production was a Razer Blade Stealth in 2016. I bought it because it came with a free version of FL Studio (I’m not sure if that’s still a thing, but worth checking).
This laptop introduced me to digital audio workstations (DAWs), and before that, I had experimented with Cubase, Audacity, and Magix Music Maker. The external GPU concept also intrigued me, but over time, I realized that for music production, CPU and RAM matter way more than graphics power.
2. The Switch to MacBook Pro (2019) – A Game-Changer
In 2019, I made the switch to MacBook Pro, and honestly, it was one of the best decisions I made for my music production setup.
Why? Because it just worked, without as many random crashes and driver issues I had dealt with before.
I also switched to Ableton Live, and the combination of Mac + Ableton made music production faster, smoother, and way more enjoyable.
Now, I’m running a MacBook Pro M3 with 32GB RAM, and it handles almost everything I throw at it.
Mac vs. PC – Which One Is Better for Music Production?
Both Mac and PC have their strengths, and the best choice depends on your workflow and personal preferences.
Here’s a video I made a while back comparing the two options:
Mac for Music Production
✅ Optimized for DAWs like Ableton Live & Logic Pro
✅ Stable and reliable – fewer crashes
✅ Long lifespan (as long as Apple doesn’t intentionally slow it down)
🚫 Expensive compared to PCs
🚫 Limited customization
PC for Music Production
✅ More affordable high-performance builds
✅ Customizable and upgradeable
✅ Works great with DAWs like FL Studio, Cubase, and Pro Tools
🚫 Driver and compatibility issues can be a hassle
🚫 May require more setup and maintenance
What Specs Matter Most?
Regardless of whether you choose Mac or PC, you need a computer that can handle large projects, multiple tracks, and heavy plugins.
Here’s what actually matters:
Processor (CPU): At least Intel i7/i9 or Apple M1/M2/M3
RAM: 16GB minimum, but 32GB+ if you also edit video
Storage: SSD only – at least 1TB for fast load times
Ports: USB-C, Thunderbolt, and USB-A for your gear
Graphics Card (GPU): Not important unless you edit video but I still highly reccomend
Since I create a lot of video content, I need extra RAM. If you’re also producing music and video, I’d recommend at least 32GB RAM for smooth performance.
Best Computers for Music Production
Mac Options
💻 MacBook Pro M4 (16GB-32GB RAM) – Great for portability and power
🖥 Mac Studio (M2/M3 Ultra) – Ideal for a professional studio setup
💻 Mac Mini (M2/M3) – Budget-friendly entry into the Mac ecosystem
PC Options
💻 Custom-Built PC (Intel i9 or AMD Ryzen 9, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) – Best value for power users
💻 ASUS ROG Zephyrus (16GB+ RAM) – A solid laptop for FL Studio users
💻 Razer Blade 16 (32GB RAM) – High-end laptop for producers who need power and portability
How Long Should a Computer Last?
If Apple doesn’t slow down my MacBook Pro, (like those Apple scumbags are known to do) I expect to use it for at least 4-5 years before upgrading to an M8 or whatever is next.
For PC users, if you build a high-performance desktop, you can stretch it even longer—just upgrade parts as needed.
If you go cheap upfront, expect to replace your setup much sooner.
Final Thoughts – Which Computer Should You Get?
Here’s the quick answer:
If you want stability and longevity, go with Mac.
If you need customization and power for less money, go with PC.
If you also edit video, prioritize RAM and storage.
If you want something future-proof, invest in high-end specs now.
Still not sure what’s best for you? Let’s talk. I help artists and producers optimize their workflow. Schedule a free call here.
