Entry Level Desktop PC for Pro Tools LE 7.3

[StratMan04]

I am a complete newbie, so forgive me for any dumb questions. I am considering purchasing the Mbox Mini with Pro Tools 7.3 for home use. I will only be using it as a hobby to record my guitar, no vocals. I eventually would like to record minimal tracks using Drum Core to generate drum loops and something to generate a bass line to give me something to play along with. I have been playing lead/rhythm guitar for 25 years but my old band mates have moved on so it is just me and my computer now. I will be building my own desktop PC, running Windows XP for this. I understand the importance of selecting the correct chipset and processor, installing enough RAM, and using dual hard drives. What I need to know is, what is the minimum hardware specs that I can use considering I will not be doing "intensive" recording?

[albee1952]

best desktops
is your first stop for info. Just look at the first page and scroll down to see specs on a $600 system. Some parts may be discontinued. The system I am running (described below) is working great and you could save $ by going with a lower speed cpu(x2 4800-5200). You could cut the RAM in half but plugins and DrumCorp probably will be happier with 2gig. You need 2 hard drives for sure but the system drive could be a small as 40-60 gig. Graphics requirements are not too serious so my $49 video card cuts it fine. The best value for screens looks to be either 20" widescreens at under $200 or 22" if you find one on sale(saw Westinghouse at Best Buy for $219). All my stuff is from newegg.com and sometimes they have combo deals where you get this motherboard with a cpu/fan and get an extra $15 off.