I'm not sure I see your need, but that could be because I use a desktop switcher in the taskbar.
I start the VM the first time I use it and it can stay running on a background virtual desktop if necessary. I use twin displays and can have it fullscreen on one next to a native linux screen, and functionally seamless for drag/drop operations etc.
Posting this here for @phofman and others... Over the last couple of days I set up three NTP servers on my LAN in order to get an RTP client up and running properly. The NTP servers are just using public NTP timeservers in and around my area in Germany. I use these to discipline the OS clock on my playback machines, which are reachable only via 2.4G WiFi due to living in an old farmhouse with thick stones walls (interior walls, too!). Anyway, below you can find data on the offset from "true" NTP time, printed every 2 minutes. This is not a measurement of the audio data timing as that is more complicated to obtain, but Gstreamer does use the NTP synchronized OS clock as a time reference for playback timing. As you can see from the data the offsets are in the range I mentioned, about 20-50usec with many being much less than this. This synchronicity is more than sufficient to keep the stereo image centered when there are two different playback clients, each running one of the left or right speakers.
Code:
Last offset : -0.000038427 seconds
Last offset : -0.000017788 seconds
Last offset : -0.000119421 seconds
Last offset : +0.000112821 seconds
Last offset : +0.000000841 seconds
Last offset : -0.000012944 seconds
Last offset : +0.000117312 seconds
Last offset : +0.000012447 seconds
Last offset : +0.000034801 seconds
Last offset : +0.000019077 seconds
Last offset : +0.000026957 seconds
Last offset : +0.000025322 seconds
Last offset : -0.000002515 seconds
Last offset : +0.000027467 seconds
Last offset : +0.000022474 seconds
Last offset : +0.000014672 seconds
Last offset : +0.000013988 seconds
Last offset : +0.000071804 seconds
Last offset : +0.000008142 secondsThe offset (time error) data above is given in seconds. Remove the first three zeroes from each number to get the value in milliseconds, e.g. -0.000038427 becomes -0.038427 milliseconds, or -38.427 microseconds.
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I personally own one of the affected CPUs (i7-14700K). I've used it for software video filtering and (h.265) encoding, which is one of the most demanding workloads there is for a CPU. It has a water cooler and during summer I assist it with a floor fan. With that I can make the CPU consume 200 W for its task. I have not noticed any crashes during many hours of encoding.
For audio, no one would get a CPU like that for obvious reasons. And you probably couldn't even get it to crash with any audio related workload. As mentioned, best CPUs for audio are those that can be passively cooled.
Thankfully yes, I went for a lower power CPU in order to permit passive cooling. It is a locked type and also the generation prior to Intel's microcode problems, so I should be safe with the current setup. Specifically, it is an i7-12700 with a modest base power of 65W, teamed with one of those passive Noctua NH-P1 coolers. The max/turbo power is more of course (180W), so there is a virtually silent fan should it ever be needed, but it doesn't come on during my normal media usage.
The intention was to use the PC for everything and run my media stuff in VMs. However the more I pursue this route the more I'm thinking of abandoning that idea. There are issues with virtualisation not being real hardware, I've largely overcome this on my audio process by passing-through a USB controller to use a real hardware USB gadget (raspberry Pi) prior to the DAC. But there are still issues keeping virtualised video in sync and free from tearing. I could get over those with a GPU passthrough, but am running out of controllers (or expansion slots for new ones) to pass everything through that is wished.
So, I have now decided to just dedicate the existing PC to media and hobby/fun stuff, and use a separate laptop for my work and banking etc. This would make everything much, much simpler. The PC is perhaps a bit over-specified for just media playing, but it will idle at not much over 50 watts (without monitor) which shouldn't be too expensive to run, especially as I don't run it 24/7. It will also still allow for VMs for peripheral stuff - for example to run a roon remote in windows. I do need to decide if I will give it windows natively though, or stay with Linux, for the main/host OS.
The intention was to use the PC for everything and run my media stuff in VMs. However the more I pursue this route the more I'm thinking of abandoning that idea. There are issues with virtualisation not being real hardware, I've largely overcome this on my audio process by passing-through a USB controller to use a real hardware USB gadget (raspberry Pi) prior to the DAC. But there are still issues keeping virtualised video in sync and free from tearing. I could get over those with a GPU passthrough, but am running out of controllers (or expansion slots for new ones) to pass everything through that is wished.
So, I have now decided to just dedicate the existing PC to media and hobby/fun stuff, and use a separate laptop for my work and banking etc. This would make everything much, much simpler. The PC is perhaps a bit over-specified for just media playing, but it will idle at not much over 50 watts (without monitor) which shouldn't be too expensive to run, especially as I don't run it 24/7. It will also still allow for VMs for peripheral stuff - for example to run a roon remote in windows. I do need to decide if I will give it windows natively though, or stay with Linux, for the main/host OS.
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Thanks, yes I will have a look at the bios/uefi settings, and see what can be done; I've tried to reduce power consumption of small devices that were on 24/7 before, but not yet a full PC. It isn't massively important as it will be turned off unless I'm actually at home and using it, but no need to be wasteful either, especially now that the demands upon it are going to be lower. I got a locked CPU (albeit low TDP), but happily the motherboard has reasonable bios flexibility (the more basic ones had worse VRM cooling etc, so less suitable for a passive system). Much to explore.
Well it has been a while, as I spent some time rebuilding my PC and installing Windows 11, then giving it a fair trial. I invested a little time in removing unwanted apps and services, and turning off annoying widgets and start-menu adverts etc. That done, I actually quite like using it now; to me it seems an improvement over the last few versions (of windows). It is also nice to revisit some windows-only applications that I missed, and I seem to spend less time fiddling about with the operating system to get things working.
Though that said, it hasn't really gained what I was hoping; mainly because some of my hopes/expectations were naive. In particular, it turns out that the windows apps I was interested in (Qobuz etc) are actually not much of an improvement over the browser-based approach that I'd already been using. I do quite like Roon, but find myself making much less use of it than anticipated; I also use other sources (e.g. browsers and video-players etc) too, so must use other (system-wide) solutions for things like DSP and any network/home streaming. Increasingly I'm preferring the native streaming service for the music and websites for info and discovery.
My conclusion is that it probably doesn't matter whether I use Windows or Linux, which means it is quite hard to decide between them. Certainly there is no difference in sound quality or important things like that. But I will likely leave windows on this hobby/media PC, mainly because some of my hardware is noticeably better supported by it.
Though that said, it hasn't really gained what I was hoping; mainly because some of my hopes/expectations were naive. In particular, it turns out that the windows apps I was interested in (Qobuz etc) are actually not much of an improvement over the browser-based approach that I'd already been using. I do quite like Roon, but find myself making much less use of it than anticipated; I also use other sources (e.g. browsers and video-players etc) too, so must use other (system-wide) solutions for things like DSP and any network/home streaming. Increasingly I'm preferring the native streaming service for the music and websites for info and discovery.
My conclusion is that it probably doesn't matter whether I use Windows or Linux, which means it is quite hard to decide between them. Certainly there is no difference in sound quality or important things like that. But I will likely leave windows on this hobby/media PC, mainly because some of my hardware is noticeably better supported by it.
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Try the WIN10x64 Enterprise LTSC 2021... you'll be blown away. Striped down to essentials, there is no need to worry about telemetry or rubbish updates. Full-blown Windows OS, with CPU utilisation of 1% or less, straight out of the box. Brilliant.... especially if you want to run HQPlayer Pro.
Also, see here: https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/laptop-recommendations.393306/post-7203552
Also, see here: https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/laptop-recommendations.393306/post-7203552
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Thanks for the info, that isn't something I'd considered previously but it is good to keep in mind for the future. At this moment in time, normal Windows Pro is okay for my needs. The key thing (for me) is that I've been able to turn off the gimmicks, feeds and adverts that annoyed me most; I can get on with using my PC for its intended purpose, in peace.
However, if Microsoft ever remove that level of control, then the enterprise version might be well worth considering (assuming it were to remain more sensible). Though in practice I'd probably just put the PC back on Linux; I prefer linux really, it is only niggling compatibility issues that make Windows seem the practical choice in this instance. They can be overcome or put up with if necessary, though.
However, if Microsoft ever remove that level of control, then the enterprise version might be well worth considering (assuming it were to remain more sensible). Though in practice I'd probably just put the PC back on Linux; I prefer linux really, it is only niggling compatibility issues that make Windows seem the practical choice in this instance. They can be overcome or put up with if necessary, though.
I wouldn't recommend W10, because it goes out of official support in a few months. I've been using both W10 and 11 in the past 6 months and I like the W11 better for everyday use.
Either case I do not recommend OEM Windows that comes pre installed. They are always full of crepware that will slow it down and send your data to China. You are always better off formatting and installing a clean copy of Pro version of Windows if you have all required drivers at hand (important with laptops). When I bought mine, WPro license could be installed multiple, but limited number of times. This allows upgrading your computer a few times before you need to buy another license. I'm not sure if it still works that way, I activated my new setup last time in February.
Either case I do not recommend OEM Windows that comes pre installed. They are always full of crepware that will slow it down and send your data to China. You are always better off formatting and installing a clean copy of Pro version of Windows if you have all required drivers at hand (important with laptops). When I bought mine, WPro license could be installed multiple, but limited number of times. This allows upgrading your computer a few times before you need to buy another license. I'm not sure if it still works that way, I activated my new setup last time in February.
Yes, I've moved on to win 11, and like you I prefer it to 10 (once set to my preferences). It is nice to see some progression, admittedly fairly minor from a usability/UI point of view but at least it hasn't gone backwards in that respect. WRT the audio chain, I still see the shared and exclusive modes for wasapi just as in win10. Though I've not played about much yet with the windows mixer or their spatial sound - I'll probably be using other methods.
Also yes, a clean install from the Microsoft ISO. I have added a couple of manufacturer tools for firmware and drivers, but carefully chosen. For me, their support for windows is one of the main advantages of using it; both my PC and laptop run better (cooler, quieter etc) on the official and latest windows drivers etc than they did on even current Linux kernels. Though it makes most difference for the laptop due to battery life and (in my case) better wifi.
Not entirely sure how the licence reactivation works, I haven't tried moving OEM versions between machines, as they're supposed to not be transferrable. But I have upgraded and reinstalled machines okay many times - I think if it isn't changed/upgraded substancially it can still be recognised as the same hardware and so remains valid. Mine is reasonably new hardware so hopefully I won't need to replace it for several years, if windows respects current hardware requirements for a while. That said, I have linked to the microsoft account which might help if there is a problem; as I understand it one can still opt out of linking with the pro version but I've no particular reason to on this machine.
cheers,
Kev
Also yes, a clean install from the Microsoft ISO. I have added a couple of manufacturer tools for firmware and drivers, but carefully chosen. For me, their support for windows is one of the main advantages of using it; both my PC and laptop run better (cooler, quieter etc) on the official and latest windows drivers etc than they did on even current Linux kernels. Though it makes most difference for the laptop due to battery life and (in my case) better wifi.
Not entirely sure how the licence reactivation works, I haven't tried moving OEM versions between machines, as they're supposed to not be transferrable. But I have upgraded and reinstalled machines okay many times - I think if it isn't changed/upgraded substancially it can still be recognised as the same hardware and so remains valid. Mine is reasonably new hardware so hopefully I won't need to replace it for several years, if windows respects current hardware requirements for a while. That said, I have linked to the microsoft account which might help if there is a problem; as I understand it one can still opt out of linking with the pro version but I've no particular reason to on this machine.
cheers,
Kev