Is My PC Adequate for 10.3.8

[guitarscotty]

I just got an HP Windows7 based pc and wondered if the specs are adequate. I actually loaded PT 10.3.8 and tried running the sample session that came with the software, but the PC locked up several times (no mouse, no keyboard, required me to use the power button to reboot). I know my iLok and software are not the issue because I use the same stuff on a Macbook Pro that I have. Here's the specs on the PC:

Processor / Chipset
TypeIntel Core 2 Quad Q9300 / 2.5 GHz
Number of CoresQuad-Core
64-bit ComputingYes
CPU SocketLGA775 Socket
Chipset TypeIntel Q35 Express
Front Side Bus1333.0 MHz

Cache Memory
Installed SizeL2 cache - 6.0 MB
Cache Per Processor6 MB

RAM
Installed Size4.0 GB / 8.0 GB (max)
TechnologyDDR2 SDRAM - Non-ECC
Memory Speed667.0 MHz
Memory Specification CompliancePC2-5300
Form FactorDIMM 240-pin
Configuration Features 4 x 1 GB

Environmental Parameters
Min Operating Temperature50.0 °F
Max Operating Temperature95.0 °F
Humidity Range Operating10 - 90%

Hard Drive
TypeHDD
Capacity1.0 x 250.0 GB
Interface TypeSerial ATA-300 Serial ATA
Spindle Speed7200.0 rpm
Storage Controller
Type1.0 x Serial ATA - Integrated
Controller Interface TypeSerial ATA-300

[junkgear]

Well, there are a few problems right off the bat:

1.) 4GB of memory is pretty low. 8 would be better.
2.) Is this PC using an integrated graphics card? If so, you should really get a dedicated video card.
3.) You should not be running sessions from your main/OS drive. A second internal or external 7200 RPM drive is what you will need.

Even after these changes, you are still on the low end for a PT system and will not be able to pull off very big sessions. It will probably be okay if you are just doing a few tracks and are light on the plug-ins.

[guitarscotty]

thanks for the quick reply. I am using the integrated video. There's an empty slot for a video card, which I have. Do you think the lockup issues are related to the ram, cpu, or something else? Thanks....scott

[mjslakeridge]

I don't know how big of a session the sample session is, but my guess is using the same drive for the operating system and audio data is the cause of the lockups. It can't get the data off of the drive fast enough.