New PC computer/recommendations
 

Looks like I will need to get a new computer for PT. There are a lot of experienced users here and I would like to know if anyone has a recommendation for a powerful PC computer off-the-shelf from places such as Newegg or Microcenter. I have monitors so just looking for the case/tower. Would like to stay under $2500 if possible but would go higher if needed. Needs to have firewire but that can be added as can extra hard drives. 32 gig of ram minimum. Thanks for any advise.

Re: New PC computer/recommendations
 

Newegg and Microcenter are likely 100% unaware of the very specific PC requirements for Pro Tools to run correctly. Not to say you can’t get the PARTS from them to build your own, but it’s highly unlikely they’ll have a turnkey solution for you.
Check here, scroll down to “Windows computers.” https://avid.secure.force.com/pkb/ar...ols&popup=true
Or:
Check out a Sweetwater Creation Station, or Pro Tools PC.
https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/creation-station/
https://www.pro-tools-pc.com/

Re: New PC computer/recommendations
 

Or one of the HP Workstations that Avid recommends coming off lease.

Re: New PC computer/recommendations
 

100% recommend.

These are relatively cheap on eBay.

The HP Z series are BEASTS!

I use to build my own PC's, but after trying a Z series there's no need.

I would suggest getting at least an 840, because the 820's use DDR3 Ram.

If Thunderbolt 3 is important to you make sure you get the Z8 G4, Z6 G4, or Z4 G4 minimum.

An example of a Z8 G4 which you can upgrade as needed (more ram, drives, switch CPUs, add Thunderbolt 3 card, etc...)

An example of the HP Z840 which you can also upgrade with more drives, etc... but I don't think you can get Thunderbolt 3, you can add a Thunderbolt 2 card...

The Z840's are vastly less expensive and they are monsters that tear through anything you throw at them. But, keep in mind that some new audio interfaces are going to Thunderbolt 3.

If you want a super powerful laptop try the HP Zbook. Add a HP Thunderbolt 3 dock to it and you can drive multiple monitors, external drives, and your audio interface no problem. These things are more powerful than most peoples desktops.

Re: New PC computer/recommendations
 

“An example of the HP Z840 which you can also upgrade with more drives, etc... but I don't think you can get Thunderbolt 3, you can add a Thunderbolt 2 card...”

But ONLY if the motherboard is ‘thunderbolt ready’ and has a header for the TB expansion card.

Re: New PC computer/recommendations
 

Or https://www.pro-tools-pc.com/