Mini Computers//Buying Advice?

[TimTimJohn]

Hello All!

I am in the market for a new Workstation, and am wondering if anyone has any experience running Pro Tools on Mini PCs? The first two come to mind are Intel NUC, and Mac Mini. Small PCs, that aren't laptops, but get the job done.

A little background on me: I like to make big tracks! 10+ Minute, 32+ Tracks, the whole deal. I don't like to go crazy with my plugins; I don't do a loot more than EQ/Compress/basic stuff. I am also a Logic Pro refugee. I am looking at Mini PCs as an alternative to Laptops. I have several work spaces, and I do not need to have PC+Peripherals in one box; just PC is fine. I am also looking at cost, etc.

I am looking at at the new higher-end Intel NUC
Quickly:
> Kaby Lake i7 (2 Cores @3.5GHz)
> Can handle 32GB of RAM
It looks pretty solid

This machine would only be used for Audio/Production types of things; it would not be my day-to-day/gaming station. So I am not going to install a lot of superfluous applications, etc.

My main concern is the processor; it is only running two Cores. I do not know how intensive Pro Tools is, and I do not want to purchase a machine that will not be up to the task. As I said, I like to do larger arrangements. Having more Audio on the go would be a test of RAM, right? CPU usage is determined more by the number of plugins running?

What do you guys/ladies think?
And thanks for your help!