Looking to build/buy a new desktop (in Off-topic)

I need at least 8GB of RAM; 16 would be ideal. I need minimal hard drive access latency and high throughput, as well as a a motherboard that wouldn't end up as the rate-limiting factor in this setup. SSDs are out of the picture. I also need a high-end, ASIO-capable audio card, as well as a mid-to-high range processor. The graphics card is irrelevant. A pre-built system would be more convenient, but I'm open to building it myself if it'll offer significant savings. Any suggestions/ideas how much this'll cost me?

8GB of RAM. Damn. I only have 1G. That's crazy.

Are you trying to host a radio station from your desktop? :P

With graphics card being irrelevant. 1.5-2k. Not sure about US prices, but you're probably looking at a smaller number than I would (USD to AUD). Your best bet is to get a velociraptor if you think SSD is out of the question. WD make these and they're 10000 rpm HDDs. Better than the average 7200 and appears to be the best before SSD.

What is the system for? mid-to-high range processor? You can get a really good i5, but if you're based around processing you can go for an i7. Looking at motherboards/RAM. To be able to get 16GB of RAM you'll probably need to get an i7 compatible MB. Also where are you getting the fact that you want 16GB of RAM. What could possibly need that?

Might I add, you might want to post on tom's hardware or something. This is quite the extreme build probably out of grasp of the non-enthusiasts.

Budget?

I'd say Dell's precision workstations would be your best bet (just got a 12g dual quad setup for work) but I'm not 100% on the audio compatibility.

I want to know what your planning on doing with 16GB or ram also.

running server? graphics work? (photoshop?) or editing music files? in which case a strong CPU is a MUST. will definitely NEED i7 intel

That.

My wife does a lot of video editing and everyone recommended she get an iMac.

So we did. And it works very well.

I do not know if the music editing is like the video part, but it may be good to look up the macs.

Asus has a bunch of i7 1336 motherboards. cheapest one is $207.99 if you gonna build it yourself. i7 920 goes for around $280, you should have no problem overclocking it well on an asus motherboard. Wouldn't reccommend i7 950 cause the price difference goes alot higher. You can build a good computer you want probably for $1000 or less since you won't be getting an expensive graphics card. I'd go for one of those ATI 5750, go for $140. you can even play games at pretty good quality don't let the fact that its one of the cheaper ones fool you.
For music encoding and such, I definitely recommend overclocking and getting a good aftermarket performance CPU cooler like Noctua NH-D14 CPU Cooler is a good one $85 on new egg, you will reap much more benefits and increase the value of your CPU from the overclock.
Sound card, i mean you have quite a few to choose from. Creative is more for gaming, Azuntech and others might be more preferred although check out specs on the motherboard, maybe even the onboard audio will suffic for your connection needs. Case is your choice, something $50-70 would probably be fine. Don't go crazy on the power supply, but make sure it is efficient and has some certifications and doesn't break the bank though u don need 1000W, you aren't running crossfire/SLI setups, i'd assume under 700W powersupply is plenty of headroom too. Memory, go for those brand name like GSkill or crucial most of them offer lifetime warranty and get the triple channel kit of course a 6GB kit is more than enough (3X2GB) comes you can get one for about $140 G-skill on new egg. Wouldn't recommend the 12GB one cause they cost about $800. of course you could go dual channel and get 2X4GB for 8GB total for $400. once again i highly recommend going the triple channel kit for $140 6GB. Good luck

Oh music. I got into that making instrumentals and remixs, but couldn't afford any equipment or anything so I gave up. Good luck.

I suggest a Mac. Macs are better for media types rather than PCs.

mac pro. yes used by many and most in the music/audio/video world

MAC's are stable, typically don't crash

MAC PRO starts around 2500 with...

up to 2.93GHz Intel Quad Core Xeons
Up to 32GB memory
192 I/O capable "Live Rig"
Up to 4TB Audio/Samples Drives
16x SuperDrive

Windows Who?

You're starting at the wrong spot. You can spend anywhere from 1500 to 15000 on that build. You have to define your budget and purpose first, then you can spec out the build. Case in point... you can get 16G of generic RAM for the same price that I pay for 1G of the brand and type that I get. There's a lot more that goes into play other than total RAM size (namely, latency, mainboard compatibility, ECC, that kind of thing).

Scope your project from cost and purpose first.

In the UK there are companies that build something like this for you, specifically for audio work. Average price for a high end spec usually works out about 1700 USD. Dunno if any of them ship to overseas, that would drive the price up....

http://www.gear4music.com/Recording-and-Computers/Red-Sub-Extreme-Audio-Desktop-Computer/A2N