Least Expensive 'Puter For Pro Tools LE

[ernstinen]

Hey All,

I REALLY need a new computer for ProTools, and an upgrade to LE 8. I've been researching this alot, and would rather not spend more than $500 for a PC with 4GB Ram, a 7200 HD, Firewire etc. I'm leaning to a Mac Mini since I basically only use this for mastering work. I know Minis are $800, and I could probably get a PC (which I use now for PT) for maybe $600 with the same specs (or less).

My current PC is a 2GB PC P4, and I get constant messages about "lack of CPU power," not actually RAM messages. NOW, the 6.4 LE software has stopped working, at least in record mode. I think this is a software problem, but I need to upgrade everything, IMHO.

Any ideas would be appreciated, considering my budget! ($150 upgrade to LE 8 + new 'puter).

Thanks in advance,

Ern

[mazz]

Hey Ern,

Since your budget precludes a purpose built DAW, I would strongly suggest first going to Avid's website and checking out the minimum specs that they recommend for Pro Tools and then going to the budget PC places (Tiger Direct, etc.) to find one that meets Avid's recommendations. This way, if you need tech support, you'll at least be over the first hurdle of "are you running ProTools on a computer that meets the minimum specs?".

BTW: Windows 7 seems to be the best Windows so far and it also seems to be pretty light in the system resources it needs, which is a good thing in the DAW world.

Good luck!

Mazz

[Kolstad]

I think you should be careful saving on computer specs. Processing power at least doubles every year, and a pc with the specs you suggest will be VERY old in a year, as it's old already now.

Of course, if your ONLY use is mastering, I see your point of keeping expences to a minimum, but otherwise you should seriously consider an i7 or equivalent with Windows 7 on it, as the number of cores and rams are likely to explode in the coming years, due to 64bit headroom.

Since you can't get a purpose built daw within your budget, you'll need the extra power to run all the other stuff.

[watksco]

The thing with PT is it will NOT run on any computer. If you're sure you want PT, then I STRONGLY advise you to spend some time on the DUC in the 'PTLE for Windows' thread and find out what is compatible. I wouldn't be looking at anything less than an i7 processor at present - it's just not worth it IMO.

Go to the DUC - don't just buy a computer and try - it will end in tears

Scott

[simonparker]

Well if you're willing to spend another $300, you can get an iMac, which I absolutely love for my projects. I've only had a couple minor glitches and it runs my PT LE 8.03 super fast.

[mojobone]

What Scott said.