HP Desktops?
 

I'm new to PC with protools. I've been using it for years on mac, but I'm going to buy a PC really soon. At this point, I don't know what PC configurations work best with Protools.

I just picked up the Fry's ad today and there are a few options; a quad core AMD Phenom x4, an intel Dual Core...ect..

I'm not into building my own PCs, so I'm hoping I can just buy a pre-assembled PC.

They all have Vista installed...but I hear XP is still the way to go.

Any help on a pre-assembled PC would be great!

Hopefully with at least 4gb ramm. I plan on doing Orchestrated and Drum Sampling VST stuff.

Looking to spend around $400-600...so nothing that's super high end, but enough to do some small things on my own time when I'm away from the main studio.


Thanks!!!!

Re: HP Desktops?
 

This is going to be a total crap shoot as for compatibility. You need to know what chipset is on the motherboard and that's a tough piece of info to get on a store-bought system. In the price range you are talking about, there are other issues to contend with as well. Pro Tools requires a separate hard drive for audio so you need to purchase another drive(internal is fine for this and that will keep the cost down). On-board video is popular in your price range but Pro Tools does not like it so look for a separate video card(video outs in an expansion slot). Your safest choice is probably an intel system IF you can find one that touts an intel chipset as more of them work with Pro Tools. I hate to sound like a wet blanket and maybe someone else will be able to steer you to a certain model that will work, so keep your fingers crossed.

Re: HP Desktops?
 

Thanks for your input!

So if I did decide to spend $800+...there still isn't a pre-assembled package???

Re: HP Desktops?
 

Good advice.

Re: HP Desktops?
 

Your "average computer shop" has NO idea what it is we're trying to do here. If you MUST try an off-the-shelf unit, Sweetwater makes dang sure it works before they send it out. Also check with John Gibson at EAR in Phoenix, Arizona. They do this as well. But going to the corner computer shop, even specifying exactly what you need, still won't guarantee a qualified PT rig.
Don't wanna build your own? Not that much to it, and then you're good and familiar with what's going on in there. (If I can do it, ANYBODY can, and I do 'em all the time...)

Re: HP Desktops?
 

You really should look into building your own!!! You'll learn alot, save alot, and have a lot a fun!! And maybe hit the 800.00 area,,,,,,,,, Mike

Re: HP Desktops?
 

First of all, do the reasearch needed to decide excactly what you are looking for. This way you wount end up with something you cant use.

If your not confident in building your own system and dont know excactly what you need to run Pro Tools I would not be confident in your local computer store either, unless they have ProTools expertise.

I'd rather go to the local music store. They are more likely to have the expertise you need, and have often tested a range of pc configurations and found the one that best works with ProTools.

Alternatively you could shop your PC from one of the following Vendors:
http://www.sweetwater.com/creation_station/systems.php
http://www.musicxpc.com/
http://www.spectralcomputers.com/
http://www.terradigitalaudio.com/

According to Digidesign the above are vendors that build desktops/racks that are audio optimized and should work with ProTools.

http://digidesign.com/index.cfm?navi...5&itemid=36859

Another advice, go for the best system you can afford. this way you don't have to upgrade again in two years.

Re: HP Desktops?
 

Another advice, go for the best system you can afford

Good advice, as long as you read the compatibility documents first and make sure it meets Digi's criteria......