Laptops running protools.

[nsureit]

I'm running PT Ultimate on MTRX/HDX platform on a Dell XPS 15, i9 8 core, 32GB, 1TB SSD and Sabrent Rocket XTRM-Q 2TB USB 3.2 NVMe / Thunderbolt 3 External SSD, Win10. It is dedicated to my studio (I have another computer for personal stuff). I run it very lean, with minimal background apps, and I set PT hardware engine disk playback cache at 3GB additional RAM. I rarely have any error messages.

[EGS]

Originally Posted by nsureit

I'm running PT Ultimate on MTRX/HDX platform on a Dell XPS 15, i9 8 core, 32GB, 1TB SSD and Sabrent Rocket XTRM-Q 2TB USB 3.2 NVMe / Thunderbolt 3 External SSD, Win10. It is dedicated to my studio (I have another computer for personal stuff). I run it very lean, with minimal background apps, and I set PT hardware engine disk playback cache at 3GB additional RAM. I rarely have any error messages.

great!

[falcowe]

Originally Posted by StudioTalk

Remember, RAM works differently on Silicon, 16GB is more like 32+GB.

I have seen no evidence to support this. From what limited reviews I have seen especially for sample based VI workflows RAM/memory still works the same on Apple Silicone as any x86 based processor. Kontakt for example still needs to preload the same samples into ram for it to function normally. SSD’s just aren’t fast enough (latency not transfer speed although that too, to an extent) to preload samples into. (Again I am not a a programmer/sample library creator so do take my advice with a grain of proverbial salt).

Also to the OP, the only thing that would concern me about your spec is that base CPU speed. 1.1GHz is awfully slow for running PT not to mention PT + VIs. This could result in more samples needing to be loaded into RAM than normal to take load off of the CPU. Otherwise I don’t see any reason the system couldn’t run PT without issues.

[Sardi]

Originally Posted by StudioTalk

Remember, RAM works differently on Silicon, 16GB is more like 32+GB.

As mentioned by others, this is not really true.

Memory swaps between RAM/SSD on the integrated AS chips is extremely fast and for most people’s use its probably a non issue, but it is not magically doubling your RAM as some might have you believe. It’s not like they’re going to release an AS MacPro with 16GB RAM right? =P

Regardless, the OP requested those specs and I was merely pointing out that an MBA wouldn’t fit that criteria. Nothing more, nothing less.


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[Obsidian Dragon]

Originally Posted by falcowe

I have seen no evidence to support this. From what limited reviews I have seen especially for sample based VI workflows RAM/memory still works the same on Apple Silicone as any x86 based processor. Kontakt for example still needs to preload the same samples into ram for it to function normally. SSD’s just aren’t fast enough (latency not transfer speed although that too, to an extent) to preload samples into. (Again I am not a a programmer/sample library creator so do take my advice with a grain of proverbial salt).

What I'd like to see is one of our Avid Pro Audio Community members that has an Apple Silicon machine (say an Apple MacBook Air, 13" MacBook Pro, or Mac mini) with 8 or 16 Gigs of RAM run Protools with one of these large sample based VIs that normally require loading sample into RAM to function and verify if it works or sputters out. Additionally try running these without loading into RAM but from the internal SSD (supposedly crazy fast now) and see if it works or sputter out. This would put this issue to rest. We can avoid all the hyperbole and speculation once and for all. I don't have an M1 machine yet so I can't do this, but there seems to be many out there that have taken the plunge. I suggest not doing this with an M1 Pro or M1 Max machine at this time since it requires Monterey and that is not certified yet. Any takers?

[daeron80]

Not an i5 for sure. If you're willing to go Mac, there is an M1 Max Pro that has 64 GB RAM. And, yes, it does use RAM more efficiently, especially for video, because the GPU and CPU share RAM rather than having to copy data back and forth. Mike Thornton wrote a good article about it on the Expert blogs.

[audiobob]

What about a used HP Z Book? Upgradable to 32 gigs of ram I believe.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/32506995323...EAAOSwoOJiGAx2

[EGS]

Originally Posted by audiobob

What about a used HP Z Book? Upgradable to 32 gigs of ram I believe.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/32506995323...EAAOSwoOJiGAx2

What CPU? Base clock?

[audiobob]

Originally Posted by EGS

What CPU? Base clock?

That particular one is 2.90 GHz i7 7th Gen but looks like there are a bunch of options out there.

[EGS]

Originally Posted by audiobob

That particular one is 2.90 GHz i7 7th Gen but looks like there are a bunch of options out there.

I suggest a 10th 11th or 12th gen i7 or i9. (Also the 12th gen i5 is decent.) Get the fastest base clock you can find.