Best intel processor to upgrade from i7 3930k ?

[hart07]

I am running hd native pcie and Pro tools ultimate 2022 with my Intel i7 3930k (from 2012)with 16 giga ram and asrock x79 extreme 6
What would be the best upgrade ( with avid compatibility)?
I mean in processor cause I see a lot of Intel Xeon E5 or W but these processors are for server usually, they are good enough and better than my old 3930k?
Thks

[albee1952]

I expect several replies on this, so take mine as just 1 opinion. I went from a 3930K(Asus mobo with 32GB RAM) system to an off-lease HP z4 tower(I wasn't feeling a lack of power, but I was having problems that probably were due to age). Specs are 3.7GHz Xeon quad core, 32GB RAM and multiple SSD's(NVMe for system and samples) and moved my spinning recording drives from the old machine. The old machine ran HDN as you are now but I retired that(no longer need 32 IO) and am running a new Mbox Studio. Performance feels very similar, despite fewer cores and it cost me all of $250 and a copy of Windows 11! The z4 can also be found with an i9 6 core, which would be my choice if I felt the need for more power(I don't but you might). Currently I have no problem running 60-72 tracks loaded up with plugins. The old 3930K system is now my office PC(what I am on right now). In closing keep a couple of details in mind:
1-CPU Speed matters more than number of cores(stay above 3.5GHz is my suggestion)
2-Xeon CPU's are very stout performers, but the i9(given enough speed) is also going to give excellent performance.
3-32GB of RAM is minimum for a modern machine(go 64 if you can afford it).
4-Newer PC's will usually have at least 2 NVMe slots and I would use them. There is nothing faster AFAIK.
5-You can move your current drives(samples and recording), but do a fresh install of everything on the system drive(which should be an NVMe anyway).

[hart07]

Originally Posted by albee1952

I expect several replies on this, so take mine as just 1 opinion. I went from a 3930K(Asus mobo with 32GB RAM) system to an off-lease HP z4 tower(I wasn't feeling a lack of power, but I was having problems that probably were due to age). Specs are 3.7GHz Xeon quad core, 32GB RAM and multiple SSD's(NVMe for system and samples) and moved my spinning recording drives from the old machine. The old machine ran HDN as you are now but I retired that(no longer need 32 IO) and am running a new Mbox Studio. Performance feels very similar, despite fewer cores and it cost me all of $250 and a copy of Windows 11! The z4 can also be found with an i9 6 core, which would be my choice if I felt the need for more power(I don't but you might). Currently I have no problem running 60-72 tracks loaded up with plugins. The old 3930K system is now my office PC(what I am on right now). In closing keep a couple of details in mind:
1-CPU Speed matters more than number of cores(stay above 3.5GHz is my suggestion)
2-Xeon CPU's are very stout performers, but the i9(given enough speed) is also going to give excellent performance.
3-32GB of RAM is minimum for a modern machine(go 64 if you can afford it).
4-Newer PC's will usually have at least 2 NVMe slots and I would use them. There is nothing faster AFAIK.
5-You can move your current drives(samples and recording), but do a fresh install of everything on the system drive(which should be an NVMe anyway).

Thank you very much for your reply
I9 are expensive with at least 3.5 ghz ?
otherwise i will go for xeon with 3.7GHZ at least
and what model should be ok for PTultimate + hd native ?
thks

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by hart07

Thank you very much for your reply
I9 are expensive with at least 3.5 ghz ?
otherwise i will go for xeon with 3.7GHZ at least
and what model should be ok for PTultimate + hd native ?
thks

I'm not the last word on this, but Xeon processors are Avid approved. In my last commercial studio, I ran an HP Z820 with dual 6 core Xeons running at 3.5GHz with 64GB of RAM and it was stellar with HD/Native(Z840 is a newer version) and those machines are easy to find on eBay(the Z820 was $1100 6 years ago). If you can follow the links (Learn & Support, above) to see a list of Avid approved PC's and there are a few HP workstations listed.

[PhilipKapadia]

I am definitely not one to take Pro Tools advice from, but I've been running a Pro Tools rig with AMD Processors for many years and don't really face issues.

I am unsure how important 'Avid Qualified' is for a CPU component. I get it on the Media Composer side with GPU drivers for a CPU.....?