Digi 002 Rack with PT 8.0.4 and Win7 x64..

[thisjanuary]

So I'm currently running PT 8.0.4 with an Mbox 2 Mini on two machines:

• Windows 7 x64 PC, with Intel Q6600 and 4gb of RAM
• Macbook Pro, with i7 and 8gb of RAM

I'm getting a lot of buffer errors when playing back or recording, DAE errors, check your buffer size, increase/reduce, all that crap. So, first question: are these the fault of the Mbox? Since both are pretty powerful computers, I would assume so.

If the Mbox is to blame, I'm happy to upgrade to something a little more substantial, I currently have two options: a new Eleven Rack for around £630, or a used 002 Rack from a friend for half of that.

I won't use 8 inputs or outputs, the only thing I record are guitars, bass, and vocals through a single mic, but since it's half the price I'd much rather pick up the 002.

Subsequent question(s): since the 002 Rack is an older model, will it work with Pro Tools 8.0.4 and any subsequent updates, at least through the rest of PT8's lifespan? Will the drivers support both Snow Leopard and Windows 7 x64?

I know that the 002 is Firewire and the Eleven is USB, will I notice any performance boosts/issues with one over the other, on either the PC or Mac?

I only really record single instruments at a time, I use programmed drums and bass using Kontakt 4 plugins, additional synths / VIs, and then I DI guitars and process with AmpliTube or ReValver, then record vocals. I don't really do much else.

If anyone could give me any advice on this, I'd be hugely grateful!