Help/Questions on upgrading my Windows recording desktop.

[rockguitarist1255]

Alright I have an HP Windows desktop for music recording. I'll put the specs.

16GB of RAM, upgraded from a stock of 8GB
AMD Quad Core 3.0 ghz processor.
Windows 7 Home premium 64 bit.

I would like to get a new HP desktop with a lot more power, but I have a few questions.

1. I've seen some desktops that can be upgraded to 32GB of RAM, and some that can be even upgraded to 64GB of RAM. If I want a total power house, is it worth spending the money on the 64GB, or will 32GB suffice?

2. Does the RAM, type and speed of processor, or both, affect the power of how many plug ins I can use? Like I'm wondering if I get a desktop with 32GB of RAM, but a really fast processor, if that would be better than a desktop with 64GB of RAM, but a slower processor than the 32GB desktop.

Basically, I am a plug in whore. I use a lot of plug ins haha.
So what would be the best thing to upgrade, and what would help with me getting to use more plug ins?

If this matter, I use a Pro Tools Mbox 3rd gen via USB to record.
I have all my Pro Tools files on an external HD like I'm suppose to.

[TOM@METRO]

Are you running Vienna Ensemble Pro, or any ReWire applications with a great many virtual instruments?

Are you planning on upgrading to PT 11 (64bit) when it comes available?

If not, you already have enough RAM for Pro Tools 32bit.


When PT11 64bit is offered, 32GBs of RAM will be great.

I suggest going with Intel this time, on an x79 / socket 2011 platform.

[rockguitarist1255]

Originally Posted by TOM@METRO

Are you running Vienna Ensemble Pro, or any ReWire applications with a great many virtual instruments?

Are you planning on upgrading to PT 11 (64bit) when it comes available?

If not, you already have enough RAM for Pro Tools 32bit.


When PT11 64bit is offered, 32GBs of RAM will be great.

I suggest going with Intel this time, on an x79 / socket 2011 platform.

I'm not running Vienna Ensemble Pro or use any Rewire applications. Just loads of RTAS effects.

I didn't even know that they're making PT11 64 bit so yeah I would definitely want that.

So I'm guessing by what you said, is that I should just wait til PT11 comes out, then think about upgrading?

By the way do you know when PT11 will be coming out?

Thanks again Tom.

[zedhed]

32 Bit programs can only address up to 4GB of RAM so as Tom said, for now you have plenty.

I would recommend waiting for PT11 (we are all hoping it will be 64Bit but as yet there has been no OFFICIAL announcement that it will be). Once PT goes 64Bit, much larger amounts of RAM will be accessible.

We have all been speculating for some time as to when PT11 will be released and I think I speak for all when I say we are expecting it to be 64Bit but at this stage none of us Know whether or not it will be, or exactly when it will be released.

You may want to start doing some research on what Interfaces/Plugins will be compatible with PT11 as some of the older stuff will not be supported, so it may mean a reasonably hefty investment depending on what your personal needs are.

It would also be wise to take your time and do plenty of research on computer components too if you are going to upgrade that part of your setup. Traditionally PT has been finicky in working seamlessly with different components of a computer system.

The good thing is, you are in the right place to be able to keep an eye on things as they develop and by reading through some of the retrospective posts you'll get a good idea of the kinds of concerns people have been raising about PT11.

[TOM@METRO]

Originally Posted by rockguitarist1255

I'm not running Vienna Ensemble Pro or use any Rewire applications. Just loads of RTAS effects.

I didn't even know that they're making PT11 64 bit so yeah I would definitely want that.

So I'm guessing by what you said, is that I should just wait til PT11 comes out, then think about upgrading?

By the way do you know when PT11 will be coming out?

Thanks again Tom.

You are welcome.

And I will add that Zedhead's advice is all-good. Take you time and research your options, so that you will be ready to move when the time is right.