HP Z420, what Windows and PT to use for best stability?

[Eric Klinger]

Hello Folks.

I have staked a claim on an HP Z420, should have it in a few days. So in the meantime I would like to figure out which version of all of the software I will be installing/running so I can get up and running asap.

As for the research I have done, it seems PT 2018.7 is able to be installed in Win 8.1 and Win 10. Then PT 12.8.2 is compatible with Windows 7 - all 64bit of course.

As far as I can tell, all of the plugs I use (UAD, Brainworx, McDSP, and Waves are the vast majority) are compatible with Win 7 SP1 through Win 10 so my interest is purely in stability, with one exception...

My single exception is that I would like to use my Apollo Twin Thunderbolt. For this I am also receiving an HP Thunderbolt PCIe card which I have read works on Z Workstations with what was Windows 8.1 and the Apolo Thunderbolt - though again afaik this is not sanctioned by UAD. I am willing to make a jump for it and if it doesn't work then I have a backup interface that will work.

And finally I am looking for a solid combination with Windows/Pro Tools... I wouldn't mind to use the latest 2018.7, but 12.xxx is fine as well. I will basically be looking to freeze the system in time... no updates of anything unless there are bugs to be fixed.

So... does anyone have some experience in this dept? I assume there are a few HP Z420 users since it is still a FQPC with Avid.

Thanks, everyone!

HP Z420
Xeon E5-2680, 8x 2.7 GHz
32 GB DDR3 ram
1 GB nVidia Quadro K600 video