Computer Upgrade - Opinions Needed

[dallas1209]

Hello everyone. Quick disclaimer: I've been a fan of the forum for long time now but just joined and this is my first post - so my apologies if I'm not totally up to speed on the ins and outs just yet (I have read all the forum "required reading" though!)

My current computer (specs in my signature) has been running slower and slower lately and I think it's time to upgrade. I'm aware that I am probably a big reason why it's slow, but still.

I plan to continually grow my studio (buy more plugins, hardware, expansions, etc.) and want to make sure the "brain" of the studio is as great as it can be. I don't want to skimp or cut corners and I don't mind spending a little more money to get what I need. However, I don't want the computer to be ridiculously overkill either (although...maybe a little overkill is ok - it's better than "underkill").

So my question is, are my current specs plenty for a good PT system and I should instead focus my time on optimizing what I have (if so, any recommendations on how best to do this)?

OR

Should I choose from my upgrade options:

1. CustoMac Pro Socket 2011 Hackintosh - TonyMacx86 Specs (~$2500)

Pros: Powerful, cost effective, customizability
Cons: I'm NOT a computer expert and I'm worried I would mess this kind of build up (not getting the right parts, assembling incorrectly, etc.). Limited update compatibility (from what I understand).

2. New Mac Pro - (~$5000-$6000)

Pros: Newest model, powerful, Apple support, updates, etc.
Cons: Price, limited expansion capabilities (no PCIe slots, etc.)

3. Legacy Mac Pro - iBuildMacs (~$3500)

This is the model I'm thinking about going with.

Pros: Customizability, tons of room for expansion, iBuildMacs can ship with upgrades (RAM, HDs, SSDs, Graphics, etc.) so I don't have to do it myself, Powerful, fast, etc.
Cons: Relatively expensive, discontinued product = lack of support/updates/etc.

4. Pro Tools PC - (~$2500)

Pros: Optimized specifically for PT, ships ready to go, 5U rack unit case
Cons: I'm definitely prefer the Mac OS to PC

What are your thoughts on these and are there any options anyone could recommend or any pros/cons I haven't considered?

[mesaone]

With that kind of money on the line, one of your main focuses should be future-proofing. Upgradability is important.

[guitardom]

I build and support the PTPC here in the states, so I must say support with it is far beyond anything you will get on your Mac options for hardware/driver and software/PT support. That is an import factor for the "pro" list to a lot of customers

[albee1952]

I would also recommend the PTPC, but if you are truly stuck on Mac OS, that makes it a tougher call. FWIW, my current PC(specs below) runs the living daylights out of 11HDN:. Aside from some adjustment to the slightly different keyboard shortcuts, the experience is very similar(especially these days)

[Billair]

i bought a mac 2009 quad 2.66 4.1 had it upgraded to a 5.1 with a 3.06 quad processors(12 core) and 48 gb of ram... it rocks and was fairly inexpensive, closer to 2000.00 all in, though i would really have to tally to be accurate

[JFreak]

Originally Posted by Billair

i bought a mac 2009 quad 2.66 4.1 had it upgraded to a 5.1 with a 3.06 quad processors(12 core) and 48 gb of ram... it rocks and was fairly inexpensive, closer to 2000.00 all in, though i would really have to tally to be accurate

I'm not a fan of the 4.1 --> 5.1 upgrade, but the 2009 model (4.1) is really very useful and best supported for PT systems (both TDM and HDX). So that'd get my vote too.

I actually also have one non-upgraded 4.1 quad, and after fitting 32GB memory it can run latest PT10 very smoothly. And with 4 internal SATA drive bays it's like designed for live gigs :)