processor amount in pro tools

[Mascola24]

Hey guys,
I have a Intel Quad Core 6600 processor running Pro Tools 7.4. I use all 4 processors at 95% as my configuration, and so far my system has been running stable and I am very happy with it. With that said, I have been poking around the duc and I'm getting the notion that I shouldn't be running Pro Tools using all 4 processors. Is this true?

[albee1952]

The old saying, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" still holds true. You can try setting for 3 processors to see if it makes any difference. The only reason to change is if you are having troubles. The idea ia to leave 1 processor dedicated to system operation(so RTAS processing does not tax it at all).

[DigiTechSupt]

You should only need to reduce the number of processors if you're using, or have installed, plug-ins that cannot run on fully RTAS dedicated processors. If everything is working, I'd keep the settings as they are.

[Fullsound Recording]

I have allways had it on just three so is tech Support saying its better to run all four then?

[DigiTechSupt]

Originally Posted by Fullsound Recording

I have allways had it on just three so is tech Support saying its better to run all four then?

It depends - if you have plug-ins installed or in use in the session that cannot run properly on a fully dedicated RTAS processor, you may need to reduce the number of processors in the Playback Engine so the plug-in has a processor it can run on.