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One of the common questions among music producers is the best computer for Pro Tools 12? Well, we can tell you that the answer, according to our extensive market research, is the ✅Dell Optiplex 7010. This blog post will reveal why we chose this computer over others, including the other six favorites that we review below.
Comparison Table for the Best Computer for Pro Tools 12
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Product Image Specifications 1 Dell Optiplex 7010 
Form Factor: Tower
Processor: Intel Core i5
RAM: 16GB DDR3
Hard Disk Storage: 2TB HDD
Connection Ports: 2 DisplayPort, 1 VGA, 6 USB 2.0, 4 USB 3.0, 1 RJ-45 Ethernet, 1 Headphone, 1 Microphone, 1 Audio: Line-in, 1 Audio: Line-out2 Apple iMac 27-Inch 
Form Factor: All-in-one
Processor: Intel Core i7
RAM: 16GB DDR3
Hard Disk Storage: 1TB HDD
Connection Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), 4 USB-A, 1 Headphone, 2 Microphone.3 Lenovo ThinkCentre M93P 
Form Factor: Tower
Processor: Intel Core i7
RAM: 16GB DDR3
Hard Disk Storage: 512GB SSD
Connection Ports: 8 USB, 2 DisplayPort, 1 VGA, 2 Headphone, 1 Microphone4 HP Pavilion 590 
Form Factor: Tower
Processor: Intel core i5
RAM: 8GB DDR4, 16GB Intel Optane
Hard Disk Storage: 1TB HDD
Connection Ports: 2 USB 3.1, 1 USB 3.1 Type-C, 4 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.1, 1 HDMI, 3-in-1 media card reader5 HP EliteDesk 800 
Form Factor: SFF tower
Processor: Intel Core i7
RAM: 16GB DDR3
Hard Disk Storage: 500GB SSD
Connection Ports: 10 USB, 2 DisplayPort, 1 VGA, 1 RJ-45 Ethernet, 1 Headphone, 1 Microphone6 OEM Lenovo ThinkCentre M720e 
Form Factor: SFF Tower
Processor: Intel Core i5
RAM: 16GB DDR3
Hard Disk Storage: 500GB SSD
Connection Ports: 4 USB 3.1 Gen1, 1 microphone, 1 headphone/microphone, 2 USB 2.0, 1 RJ-45 Ethernet, 1 VGA, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Line-out jack7 Acer Aspire TC-885 
Form Factor: Tower
Processor: Intel Core i5
RAM: 16GB DDR4
Hard Disk Storage: 256GB SSD, 1TB HDD
Connection Ports: 1 USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 2, 1 USB 3.1 Gen 2, 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1, 4 USB 2.0, 2 HDMI, 1 VGA Port, 1 RJ-45, 1 Headphone, and 1 Microphone
Favorites for the Best Computer for Pro Tools 12
1. Dell Optiplex 7010 – Number 1 Best Computer for Pro Tools 12
Design
Firstly, the Dell Optiplex 7010 is a small-form-factor tower computer.
It comes in a black casing with a silver mesh in front.
This is the traditional design that Dell tower computers have come to be known for.
At the front of the computer are 4 USB ports, 1 microphone port, and 1 headphone port.
Even more, the DVD-Drive opening tray is also located at the front.
Being a tower computer, you will have to purchase a monitor separately.
However, you get a free USB keyboard and mouse if you purchase this computer.
This computer’s size dimensions are 13.4 x 3.6 x 12.4 inches, and it weighs 15.00 pounds.
Connectivity
As one would expect from a computer such as this, it has a lot of connectivity ports.
It has 2 DisplayPort, 1 VGA, 6 USB 2.0, 4 USB 3.0, 1 RJ-45 Ethernet, 1 Headphone, 1 Microphone, 1 audio Line-in, and 1 audio Line-out.
The Display Ports and VGA port help you to connect the computer to display screens.
Furthermore, since there are three of these video-out ports, you can easily connect to three displays simultaneously.
The USB ports are necessary and would be used for iLok authorization and any ASIO-supported audio device.
Even more, you might require the Ethernet port to download and install the Pro Tools 12 if you use a LAN or WAN device for the internet.
The headphone port and microphone port would prove useful to a music producer.
Features and Performance
The minimum required processor for Pro Tools 12 is Intel Core i5.
Likewise, the Optiplex 7010 makes use of the Intel Core i5-3470 processor.
This Quad-core processor has a clock speed of 3.2GHz.
Hence, it is capable of running Pro Tools 12 without any issue.
More so, it possesses 16GB DDR3 RAM, which is also the minimum requirement for Pro Tools 12.
In terms of storage capacity, you have nothing to worry about.
This computer employs 2TB HDD storage that is more than enough for the required 15GB for Pro Tools 12 installation.
More so, this storage can be used to store all your finished music productions.
Whereas the minimum requirement for Windows computers is Windows 7 (64-bit), this computer runs on Windows 10 Professional Operating System.
Pros
Good for general tasks
Cons
It can be hot at times.
Prone to ports issue
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2. Apple iMac 27-Inch
Design
Firstly, the Apple iMac is the only all-in-one computer on this list for the best computer for Pro Tools 12.
As an all-in-one computer, the monitor and computer are merged into one device.
Hence, you do not have to purchase a monitor separately, unlike when purchasing a tower computer like the Dell computer above.
This computer also has a wireless keyboard and wireless mouse; hence, you get a complete computer unit.
Even better, all these devices come in white, making them suitable for any music studio décor.
The monitor has a screen size of 27 inches which is wide enough for any job.
If you ask us, we’ll say it’s a bit much if you’ll only be using it for Pro Tools 12.
To add to that, the computer’s stand has a hole at the back that can be used for cable management.
This way, you get to rid your desk of cables.
Furthermore, you get dual stereo speakers built into this Apple computer.
Lastly, this computer’s size dimensions and weight are 29 x 26 x 13 inches and 29 pounds, respectively.
Connectivity
The connection ports found on this computer are 2 Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), 4 USB-A, 1 headphone, and 2 microphone ports.
These essential ports ensure that the required devices for Pro Tools 12 can be connected to the computer.
Furthermore, you can use the USB ports to connect to other supported devices such as your smartphones and tablets.
You can connect to the internet via the built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi.
Features and Performance
This iMac features an Intel Core i7 processor.
This is above the required core i5 that is perfect for Pro Tools 12.
Even more, the Quad-core processor has a base clock speed of 3.4GHz and a maximum clock speed of 3.9GHz via Turbo Boost.
Therefore, you can rest assured that you have a powerful processor that can handle your Pro Tools 12 project.
A 16GB DDR3 RAM is integrated into this computer and is responsible for running all your tasks efficiently and quickly.
Furthermore, this computer employs storage of 1TB HDD.
Therefore, you are not short of storage in any way.
All your music files can be safely saved on this storage drive.
Lastly, with macOS High Sierra, this operating system is compatible with the Pro Tools 12.
Pros
Quality speakers
Fast processor
Cons
The speakers face the rear.
Has only tilt adjustment
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3. Lenovo ThinkCentre M93P
Design
First off, the Lenovo ThinkCentre M93P is the first of two Lenovo ThinkCentre computers to appear on this list for the best computer for Pro Tools 12.
This computer is a tower computer and has a black casing.
In addition to that, 2 USB ports, the DVD-Drive opening, 1 microphone port, and 1 headphone port can be seen at the front of this device.
Still, at the front, the lower part has a kind of slanted air vent pattern.
This computer’s size dimensions are 15.2 x 13.3 x 3.9 inches, and it weighs 16.85 pounds.
Connectivity
The M93P is fitted with 6 USB 3.0, 2 USB 2.0, 2 DisplayPort, 1 VGA, 2 headphones, 1 microphone port, and 1 Ethernet port.
Therefore, it can connect to multiple USB-supported devices at once and connect three displays simultaneously.
More so, connection to LAN and WAN devices is made possible via the Ethernet port.
Features and Performance
Firstly, the ThinkCentre M93P employs an Intel Core i7-4770 processor.
This Quad-core processor ensures fast processing with its 3.4GHz clock speed.
Even more, like most of the computers on this list, it runs programs and tasks using 16GB DDR3 RAM.
Therefore, it is suitable for Pro Tools 12.
Concerning storage, this Lenovo computer uses 512GB SSD, which is more than enough for Pro Tools 12 installation.
This computer runs on Windows 10 Pro.
Pros
Compact build
Six USB 3.0 ports
Cons
Lacks Wi-Fi
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4. HP Pavilion 590
Design
The HP Pavilion 590 is the first HP computer appearing on this list for the best computer for Pro Tools 12.
Like most of the computers on the list, this HP computer is also a tower computer.
However, its color is different from those discussed so far since it has a silver-patterned casing.
The following are found at the top-left in front of the computer: power button, headphone/microphone combo port, an HD 3-in-1 media card reader, 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, and 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C port.
In addition to that, the DVD-Writer opening is located at the top-right, and you can find the HP logo towards the bottom of the computer.
This computer has the following size dimensions and weight: 10.9 x 6.69 x 13.3 inches and 16.20 pounds.
Connectivity
Firstly, the Pavilion 590 does well in the connectivity department.
It is equipped with 2 USB 3.1, 1 USB 3.1 Type-C, 4 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.1, 1 HDMI, 1 microphone/headphone, and 3-in-1 media card reader.
Hence, all the necessary ports required for effective usage of the Pro Tools 12 are found on this computer.
You also get wireless connections in the form of 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2.
Features and Performance
This HP computer functions on an 8th generation Intel Core i5-8400 processor.
It possesses 6 cores, 2.8GHz base clock speed, and a maximum clock speed of 4.0GHz.
Hence, speed is a priority as far as this computer is concerned.
It has 8GB DDR4 RAM.
Before you complain that it is below the required RAM for Pro Tools 12, you need to know that the RAM works alongside 16GB Intel Optane Memory.
This memory combo ensures smooth and efficient multitasking, faster application launches, shorter boost times, and a better browsing experience.
In the end, you have sufficient memory to run Pro Tools 12 without any issue.
You also enjoy sufficient storage thanks to the 1TB HDD which this computer sports.
It supports Windows 10, which is well-recommended for Pro Tools 12.
Pros
Amazing performance
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5. HP EliteDesk 800
Design
The HP EliteDesk 800 is a small-factor-form desktop computer.
It doesn’t take up much space when placed on your desk, and your monitor can be placed on it to further save desk space.
Hence, the name “EliteDesk.”
It can still be set up as a traditional tower computer, so many folks call computers like this tower computers.
Stick with whichever one works for you, as we aren’t stuck up on the name either.
This computer has a black casing, unlike the HP Pavilion 590 above.
You can find four USB ports, 1 microphone port, 1 headphone, and the DVD-Drive opening at the front.
An interesting thing about this computer is that it comes with free dual E243 monitors.
In other words, you get two 24-inch monitors for free.
These monitors offer Full HD resolution, thereby allowing you to enjoy the best graphic quality.
It also comes with a wireless keyboard, wireless optical mouse, Gel mouse-pad, and Wi-Fi adapter.
This is a big steal, especially when you consider the price of this computer.
The computer’s size dimensions and weight are 31 x 24 x 18 inches and 40 pounds, respectively.
Connectivity
You can find all these ports on this HP computer: 10 USB, 2 DisplayPort, 1 VGA, 1 RJ-45 Ethernet, 1 headphone, and 1 microphone port.
These ports are adequate for the usage of Pro Tools 12.
Features and Performance
The EliteDesk 800 is equipped with an Intel Core i7-4770 processor.
This Quad-core has an 8MB cache and a clock speed of 3.4GHz.
Given this, its processor is well-suited for Pro Tools 12.
Also, it has the recommended 16GB DDR3 RAM required for the use of Pro Tools 12.
This RAM has a 1600MHz processing speed that allows you to retrieve files at a fast rate.
You also get to enjoy additional speed as a result of the 500GB SSD.
SSD storage is 30 times faster than HDD storage, which is a great advantage for this computer.
Windows 10 Pro is the operating system used by this computer.
Pros
Dual monitor
Energy efficient
Cons
Lacks HDMI port
Bluetooth is missing
Lacks Wi-Fi
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6. OEM Lenovo ThinkCentre M720e
Design
The OEM Lenovo ThinkCentre M270e is the second Lenovo computer on this list for the best computer for Pro Tools 12.
This computer is a small form factor tower computer.
It is a perfect computer for businesses.
It comes with a USB keyboard and a USB mouse.
All these devices are in black.
This computer has an internal speaker with a capacity of 2 Watts.
It can be used to listen to your completed music production.
Its size dimensions and weight are 11.9 x 3.9 x 10.8 inches and 9.37 pounds, respectively.
Connectivity
These ports are found on this computer: 4 USB 3.1 Gen1, 1 microphone, 1 headphone/microphone, 2 USB 2.0, 1 RJ-45 Ethernet, 1 VGA, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Line-out jack.
These ports can be used to connect to all the devices that would help you get the best out of the Pro Tools 12.
Features and Performance
The M270e makes use of the Intel Core i5-9400 processor with a 9MB cache.
This Hexa-core processor has a clock speed range of 2.9GHz to 4.1GHz, making it perfect for music production software.
We can also guarantee precision and efficiency thanks to the 16GB DDR3 RAM.
This RAM has a memory speed of 2666MHz that makes the above possible.
After saving the Pro Tools 12 on this computer, you still have 485GB of space left from the total 500GB SSD storage.
Windows 10 Pro (64-bit) is pre-installed on this computer.
Pros
Multiple ports
Runs quietly
Cons
Limited expansion
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7. Acer Aspire TC-885
Design
The Acer Aspire TC-885 is a tower computer and the last but not least on this list for the best computer for Pro Tools 12.
This computer has a black casing with a sleek design.
Furthermore, 2 USB ports, 1 microphone port, 1 headphone port, and the DVD-Drive opening are located at the computer’s front.
You also get a free USB keyboard and USB mouse when you purchase this computer.
This computer offers High-Def Audio with surround support giving you the best sound when playing music.
Its size dimensions are 13.78 x 6.42 x 13.39 inches, and it weighs 16.31 pounds.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, this computer is well equipped with 1 USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 2, 1 USB 3.1 Gen 2, 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1, 4 USB 2.0, 2 HDMI, 1 VGA Port, 1 RJ-45, 1 Headphone, and 1 Microphone.
Therefore, it can connect with all supported devices including, display screens, USB devices, smartphones, laptops, headphones, microphones, LAN devices, etc.
Even more, this Acer computer also has 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0.
Features and Performance
The TC-885 employs an Intel Core i5 as its processor.
This 9th generation Hexa-core processor has a base clock speed of 2.9GHz.
It can be increased via Intel Turbo boost to a maximum 4.1GHz.
This computer also has 16GB DDR4 RAM.
Hence, it doesn’t fall behind any of the computers on this list in this area.
You can rest assured that it would handle your music production projects efficiently.
Regarding storage, this computer has the second-largest storage on this after the Dell Optiplex 7010.
While the Optiplex 7010 has single storage, this Acer computer makes use of dual storage.
However, the use of dual storage gives it an edge over other computers discussed so far.
It is fitted with 256GB SDD and 1TB HDD.
Apart from this, it comes with a 16GB Delta Micro SD card that can be used as external storage.
Lastly, it runs on Windows 10.
Pros
Multiple ports
Compact
Cons
The casing is somewhat tight.
It is a bit loud
It runs hot as you work.
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Conclusion for the Best Computer for Pro Tools 12
The features of the ✅Dell Optiplex 7010 and its affordability make it our number 1 best computer for Pro Tools 12.
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