User guide

Chapter 3: Installing Pro Tools Hardware 15
Installing Pro Tools|HD Native
Card in a Windows Computer
The Pro Tools|HD Native card is a 4x PCIe card.
For optimum performance, install the
Pro Tools|HD Native card in a 4x or higher PCIe
card slot in your computer.
To install the Pro Tools|HD Native card:
1 Turn off your computer and any peripherals.
Leave your computer’s power cable plugged in
so the computer is grounded.
2 Disconnect all cables attached to the com-
puter (such as hard drives, displays, and USB
and FireWire devices) except for the power ca-
ble.
3 Open the computer case.
4 Remove the metal access port cover behind
the first available 4x or higher PCIe card slot
(typically, this will be the slot right next to the
video card) by removing the screw and sliding
the cover out from the access port.
5 Install the Pro Tools|HD Native card in the
corresponding PCIe slot.
6 Secure the card in place with the slot access
port screw you removed earlier.
7 Ensure that any additional cards are properly
installed for your system:
• Display card for your computer monitor
• Pro Tools|HD Native card (for PCIe)
• Avid-approved Host-Bus Adapter card
(optional)
Before handling any card, discharge static
electricity from your clothes or body by
touching a grounded metal surface, such as
the power supply case inside your computer.
Inserting the Pro Tools|HD Native card into a PCIe slot