Xeon processor for ProTools Studio

[BlueVub]

Hi everyone,

Thinking of upgrading my PC and saw one I like, but I can't find if ProTools studio is compatible with the processor (IntelXeon W-2133 Processor, 6 core,
8.25M Cache, 3.60 GHz). The compatibility chart only mentions Intel Core processors.

Thanks!

[junkgear]

Pro Tools in general will work with the Intel Xeon series of processors. These are the same architecture as the Core series, just tailored for the server market.

If you are building the system, I would just make sure all of your other components are picked with audio in mind. Make sure you have enough memory and that if using multiple sticks that they are the same. I would use only solid state drives in your system. Ensure the power supply has more than enough power to run your system with some extra in reserve. You do not need a powerful video card to run PT, so there is some room to choose there. Also make sure you have a proper ASIO interface to record from.

This is a pretty long and old thread on PC builds but take a look and see what people are using successfully.

[BlueVub]

Thak you so much! I'm not building it, it's just a Dell Tower. These are the full specs:

Dell Precision 5820 Tower Workstation
- IntelXeon W-2133 Processor, 6 core, 8.25M Cache, 3.60 GHz
- 128GB (4x 32GB) DDR4 Memory
- 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD + 3TB HDD (Removable Hot Swap Drive bays)
- Nvidia Quadro M5000 8GB
- Windows 10 Professional 64-bit
[edit]
Power Supply: 950W PSU
My interface is a Focusrite Clarett 8 Pre USB expanded with a Clarett ++ Octopre

[The Weed]

Up the OS drive to 1TB and use NVMe.M2 drives for sessions and samples unless you want a large NVMe.M2 drive with everything on it. Use regular hard drives for backup images and storage.

[dominicperry]

Whilst it will work, that's an old processor (introduced 2017) and Xeons are pretty power hungry.
A more modern i7 or i9 for the same price would probably be prefereable.

Just to be clear, the Mac Pro 2019 uses Xeon processors and is a great platform for Pro Tools. So there's no specific problem with Xeons, you just get more power from a similarly priced Core i7 or i9.
Xeon processors also require ECC memory which is more expensive. So the whole package usually ends up costing more...

Dominic

[Darryl Ramm]

^^^ yep.

Core i9-11900K
Core i9-12900K
Core i9-13900K

Dell makes systems with some of these processors, but Dell would not be my first choice of vendor (my bias is Lenovo workstation, or BYO)

Would be where I'd be looking, or at similar AMD processors, and all are superior to that old Xeon.

---

And "it's complicated" but you can actually run non-ECC memory in a Xeon, it may still be more expensive registered memory, but maybe not. And recent i7, i9 finally support ECC for folks who want it.

[albee1952]

FWIW, I had an HP z820 in my Nashville setup and it was dual 6-core Xeons at 3.5GHz and it was a beast with an HDN card and 48 IO. My usual tracking session was around 50-60 total tracks with dozens of EQ's, Comps, 5-6 reverbs and 6 headphone mixes at a 64 buffer(24 BIT/48k) and it never broke a sweat

[BlueVub]

Thanks everyone for the info! I decided to pull the trigger on that Dell. At $900 (refurbished), it's what I can afford at this moment.

[EGS]

Originally Posted by BlueVub

Thanks everyone for the info! I decided to pull the trigger on that Dell. At $900 (refurbished), it's what I can afford at this moment.

Cool! Some ideas for the Dell:

1. Create “Dell boot-drive image #1” right away, as-shipped. Use the built-in Windows imaging software (or a similar 3rd party app): https://recoverit.wondershare.com/ba...age-win11.html
2. Establish internet, & take all Windows Updates. Run a Windows Defender scan.
3. Uninstall bloatware.
4. Windows Privacy & all the other Windows System Settings: basically turn them all off. Google search if you have questions along the way.
5. Standard AVID Optimizations & also AVID Troubleshooting steps. Important to do them all.
6. Works? Create boot-drive image #2.
7. Install Audio interface drivers. Make sure Windows does NOT use the audio interface for any sounds in or out. Install Pro-Tools (but no 3rd party plugs). Tests.
8. Works? Image #3.
9. Add 3rd party plugs. Install one plugin manufacturer at a time, latest & compatible versions, tests. Next plug co: install/tests.
10. Works? Image #4.

[lesbrunn]

Originally Posted by Darryl Ramm

^^^ yep.

Core i9-11900K
Core i9-12900K
Core i9-13900K

Dell makes systems with some of these processors, but Dell would not be my first choice of vendor (my bias is Lenovo workstation, or BYO)

Would be where I'd be looking, or at similar AMD processors, and all are superior to that old Xeon.

---

And "it's complicated" but you can actually run non-ECC memory in a Xeon, it may still be more expensive registered memory, but maybe not. And recent i7, i9 finally support ECC for folks who want it.

I thought AMD systems were not yet 'approved' Of course, I realize 'not approved' probably only means 'not tested'. Wondering if there are any successful AMD users out there.