Cheapest PC Build for Pro Tools 12?

[ToastyDinner]

Hello all,

I am looking to build a PC for a friend who wants to use Pro Tools 12, but I am not very familiar with sound editing software.

Here are the system requirements from the website (http://avid.force.com/pkb/articles/Compatibility/Pro-Tools-12-System-Requirements):

- Intel® PC with Windows 7 64-bit (Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate Editions),
Windows 8/8.1 64-bit (Standard and Pro Editions) or Windows 10 64-bit (Enterprise, Pro, or Home Editions)
- Intel® Core i5 processor
- 8GB RAM (16GB or more recommended)
- Internet connection for installation
- 15GB disk space for installation
- USB-port for iLok 2 authorization
- USB-port or FireWire-port for ASIO-supported audio device
- Supports 64-bit AAX plug-ins in Pro Tools

Some general questions:
- Do I need a sound card?
- Do I need a graphics card?

I already own two Seagate ST500DM002 500GB HDDs that I want to use with this machine. We are looking for a build that isn't overkill for the software, with a budget max of about $700.

What build would you recommend for this?
Thank you in advance!

 

[Hellfire13]

For sound editing, a quality sound card is always preferable as onboard sound is for basic requirements, where as editing needs in depth inputs/outputs.
Graphics card is not essential for that but it doesnt hurt to keep a basic one when it can come in the budget. You never know, if in your line of work you might need to play something more graphical.
Inspite of having HDDs, a minimum SSD is recommended for faster OS operation and load times.
Considering all the above and your budget, this should do.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/PqWcM8
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/PqWcM8/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($204.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus H110M-A/M.2 Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($47.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: GeIL EVO POTENZA 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($66.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($44.39 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon RX 460 4GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Zalman Z1 ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.00 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CXM 450W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($25.00 @ Newegg)
Sound Card: Creative Labs Z PCIe 24-bit 96 KHz Sound Card ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $603.33
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-10-25 00:19 EDT-0400