ProTools 8 hardware requirements
 

Hi,

Is ProTools capable of utilizing multiple cores?
I'm creating configuration for Windows 7 64bit Proffesional machine, which is supposed to run ProTools and I wonder if it makes sense to put 4 cores CPU (or maybe 2x 6cores).

Another question is how often ProTools reads/writes HDD? Does it make sense to build fast RAID 0 array or is it better to put more RAM into ProTools box?

Best regards,
Kaczor

Re: ProTools 8 hardware requirements
 

Yes.

Pro Tools is not compatible with RAID. More RAM can never do you wrong, especially in a 64 bit environment. While Pro Tools itself is not yet 64-bit, having extra RAM will free up resources for the OS. Plus, you can host your VIs outside of Pro Tools to take advantage of 64 bit address.

Re: ProTools 8 hardware requirements
 

My question is how many cores ProTools can use. Is it scalabe to as many cores I have or does it use only 2 cores.

How come ProTools doesn't support RAID, when RAID is transparent to whole operating system and matrix is visible as normal hard drive.
Please tell me what read/write speeds are typicall.

Re: ProTools 8 hardware requirements
 

Pro Tools will utilize however many cores you have in your system, including virtual.

RAID isn't entirely transparent if it is internal. It's also not really necessary, nor as reliable as claimed. Making regular backups is far safer.

There aren't really any "typical" read/write speeds for Pro Tools, as it's entirely dependent on the user. How many tracks/plugs/VIs/samples you're using will affect disk performance in various ways.

Re: ProTools 8 hardware requirements
 

Depends on how you make the backups.
As far as not being necessary... RAID would be a time saver if it were "approved", although I know folks using it just fine with no issues. SB

Re: ProTools 8 hardware requirements
 

I was considering RAID as a way to increase disk performance. I'm just worried that single hard driver may be to slow. Are my worries reasonable?

Re: ProTools 8 hardware requirements
 

honestly, no. a high quality 7200rpm, < 11ms seek time SATA hard drive will do just fine. if you have a desktop machine, just add more internal drives.

i prefer seagate barracuda and hitachi deskstar drives, others will have other favorites.

avoid any hard drive labeled as "green" - the power saving functions are not suitable for Pro Tools

RAID isnt really all its cracked up to be reliability wise, and is completely unsupported by PT