Who's Building Great Post PC's These Days?

[seanmccoy]

It's that time again, and I have no intention of building one myself. I've had decent results from a Creation Station (way back when), and more recently an ADK. But it's been awhile. Any recent recommendations for builders for a powerful, mostly-for-post, Pro Tools friendly PC?

[BScout]

Dell (Precision Workstation line)

There is nothing special about audio post computers but there is something special about large companies with large buying power and intense support structures for business. Especially when top-line parts are hard to come by like currently (but not for large buyers like Dell.)

[seanmccoy]

Interesting perspective, thanks. I always assumed DAW builders were picking components known to work well in high demand A/V environments, but since you're the second person today to recommend Dell, now I'm not so sure.

[pasacmorg]

Here’s another choice: https://www.pro-tools-pc.com/

[dominicperry]

You're paying for testing and guarantee/return priviledges, if it doesn't work.

When I see that UA recommend Razer for a UAD laptop with TB, and then see people complaining about the high DPC latency of Razer machines, I'm reminded of why I choose Apple - even with a premium brand like Razer, things can go wrong. (You could very reasonably argue the same with Apple, but for slightly different reasons). Anyway, I like the idea, if you want a PC, of tasking a specialist DAW builder to make you one that works for your particular setup. Tell them you use PT and AVB or Dante or TB or an external RAID array or wired Ethernet to another machine running VEPro and let them make you something which they know will work. And that you can send it back if it doesn't. I used to build PCs for a living and have no interest in doing so now. A Dell might be a good starting point (although I very much doubt the PSU or other fans would be anything like quiet enough for me) but it might not. If you can afford it, tell someone what you want and let them use their expertise to make and test it.

I realise I haven't answered your question - but a UK answer won't help you much anyway.

Dominic

[BScout]

There are no "specialized skills" in any of these "DAW builders"
Just people who know how to assemble components (that they are then middlemen on increasing the price of said components.)

You can return a computer to Dell (or HP or any of the big makers.) And the workstation class computers are meant to be always on. 3AM and the power supply burns out? You can have a power supply at your place by 7AM for free ready to go. (This has happened with a system that choked on unexpected construction dust.) 24/7 support lines, FedEx contracts, supply depots around the country that keep stock of all parts. 5 years down the line there will still be parts availability.

You want silent, HP, for instance, offers watercooled options in their workstation class computers. (Not a big concern for myself as we have machine rooms but have done it before for in-room systems)

And laptops aren't desktop/workstations. There's a lot traded in for thermals and battery time.

[smurfyou]

I think I agree. Given the current state of component availability. I've been very happy with HP in the past. Their workstations are outstanding and parts / service is good.

Edit: HP Enterprise not their consumer side. And Dell Business.

[seanmccoy]

My local hotshot computer store does build a lot of screaming gaming systems, so I'm going to have a chat with them first. I'm a little shocked at how pricey the upper-end Avid-approved HP's are—approaching current Mac Pro territory. I don't know if that's being affected by the chip shortages or if that's the norm for them.

[BScout]

I've always found HP z workstations to price out higher than Dell's Precision line (for comparable parts.) Dell is just a bigger player today (and you can stack discounts with them.)

But for both companies, it "pays" to get on a chat/phone call with their business sales. They'll throw additional discounts at you (above and beyond the website discount pricing.) The sales dept have some leeway. And a first time business buyer for either company will give you more discounts (just for that reason alone.)

And, for Dell at least (can't remember with HP), if you need service, you get a case technician in Texas (24/7) who follows through on everything (patching to their cell phone) so you only deal with one point of contact. It's not an out-of-country support model. Business customers aren't treated like the consumer division.

[EGS]

Originally Posted by seanmccoy

... I have no intention of building one myself...

(I suggest building... but if you must go pre-built, then consider:)

Dell "New XPS Desktop" with 12th gen i9 or i7. Dell "Precision Fixed" offers the older 11th gen. Whichever brand/model PC you end up with, I suggest uninstalling ALL bloatware & also doing ALL recommended AVID optimizations.