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[#6]

I'm buying a computer for PT (and will also use for the internet). Based on what I've read on the DUC and the compatibility requirements page, I think I've found a relatively cheap and workable computer. However, I don't know much about computers (I didn't know the difference between memory and hard drive before I started my quest for a PTs compatible system), and I wanna be sure I get a system that will give me as little trouble as possible for as cheap as possible. Will this system give PT any problems?:

Compaq Presario 5000 series
-PIII 933MHz, 133 bus
-128MB 100MHz SDRAM (plan to upgrade to 256)
-20gb UltraDMA (will add 2nd hard drive)
-Direct AGP 3D graphics card w/ up to 11MB of shared video memory
-integrated ESS Allegro sound card
-Windows ME

I don't know what type of motherboard it has, but if it has an Intel 810 chipset will it give PT problems? Also, will the video card work well? And will the sound card interfere(and will it work with PT free--I plan to use Free version for awhile until I have the $ for 001)?
This computer will cost me about $650, not including the cost of a 2nd hard drive, a CD-RW, and memory upgrade.
Will this system run smooth, and are there any money-saving suggestions for a novice like myself?

[Dreamware]

I strongly suggest to get a computer built by a turnkey specialist for music. Compaq, HP, Dell, Gateway computers have the wrong components and will cause you many headaches. Furthermore, companies like compaq do not offer support for any of the audio harware/software you choose let alone know anything about it.

Sincerely,

Alex T.

President/Owner
Dreamware Systems Canada
604-605-9776 (Leave brief message)
Turnkey Solutions For Musicians
[email protected]

[GT40sc]

I have to agree with Alex in the post above. If you are committed to the PC platform, spend the extra money and buy a system set up for audio recording. Drastik Solutions and WaveDigital are good places to check, as well as Dreamware.

I speak from experience, because I'm working on a Compaq 5bw-120, which is part of the 5000 series. Granted, when I bought it last year, I thought I'd be using it mainly for word processing, but since then I've spent a lot of money getting it to run ProTools Free. (Which now works quite well, and I've learned a bit about PCs in the process (mainly I think Bill Gates is a ****head)

Anyway, all of this is kind of a pain in the ass when all you want to do is make some music. Think carefully...

Best of luck,

SC

[ReniuR]

If you already purchased the 001, then I'd recommend building a system yourself.