Dell Dimension 8400 computer w/XP

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Phyl

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Hello,

I bought the Aardvark Q10 unit yesterday and am wondering if a pre-built computer like Dell's Dimension 8400 would work well with it. The Aardvark comes bundled with Cakewalk Pro Audio 9.

The Dell computer runs Windows XP and is plenty fast (1.8Ghz, 512MB RAM, yada yada). I'll also get a second hard drive in the near future.

Any one have any experience (good or bad) with Dell pre-builts?

Thanks all,

Phil
 
I bought a Dell PIII 733 Mhz w/256 ram about two years ago. I am still recording on it and it's great.

First thing I did, out of the box, was to reformat the HD to get rid of all the shit they load on it. Then I reloaded Windows, installed a Delta 1010, and loaded Cakewalk PA9, and it was off to the races.

Since then I have added a second HD, another 256 memory and upgraded to Sonar. But the machine is showing no signs of age yet. Handles just about anything I have thrown at it. Mind you, I only use this as a DAW - no internet, games, word processing, or anything else. And most of my stuff is limited to around 10 or 20 tracks.

The only real negative about Dell is that once they do start to age, they are pretty hard to upgrade because of proprietary parts. Not as bad as Compaq or HP, but still not good. However, they are built well with quality parts.
 
Good answer!

Thanks, that makes me feel better about my choice. BTW, what did you think of Pro Audio 9? Any major drawbacks, or is it plenty good for a beginner...what are the major improvements in SONAR?

Thanks,

Phil
 
I also have a Dell, two years old, PIII@700 w/256 Ram. I did exactly same thing, wiped it clean, installed a second hard drive and it works great. I also use Aardvark cards, I use 3 Direct Pro 24/96 and record 12 simulteanous tracks, works fine. However, you should know this, you are paying more than if you went to a local shop and had one built. All that extra software that you are going to do away with is not free. My brother just built a P4 w/512 DDRAM, 2 40 gig HDs, CDRW, etc. all for $900, without a monitor. I think a similar Dell would cost a few hundred more. My next computer will be built locally.
 
According to the manufacturer, Cakewalk 9 does not run, or is at least not supported, under XP. You are supposed to upgrade to Sonar. However there have been members of this forum who say CWP9 is running OK for them under XP.
 
Thanks RWhite.

I checked with Cakewalk support and they confirmed that although some folks have gotten PA9 to run under XP, they are the exception to the rule.

So....$99 to upgrade to SONAR. What a deal.

Phil
 
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