The system as is should be quite an improvement over what you're using now. That being said, I'd probably add an SSD and use that as the system drive. I'd also look at replacing the 4GB memory chip with an 8GB. I wouldn't worry about a graphics card. I'm currently using the on-board graphics chip to drive two 23" screens on my setup with no issues at all.

Thanks for the input guys. I agree about the interface, I’ll be using my Scarlet 18i8 mostly. I’ll most likely look to upgrade to at least 16 gb memory. I’m going to try to stick it out with the integrated graphics for now.

Question about the SDD, if I go that route what am I gaining? Would I need to run my OS on it? If so how would I get it there since it’s pre-installed?

I wish I could share the link where I’m getting the deal, it’s a employee discount HP is offering through the company I work for. Unfortunately it’s not available to the public.

Curious, what motherboard will this all go with?

stm113cw

Question about the SDD, if I go that route what am I gaining? Would I need to run my OS on it? If so how would I get it there since it’s pre-installed?

Velocity, much better response time, quick starting and loading and rendering . . . .  And yes. OS and Progs should stay on that ssd. I have a Samsung EVO wich comes with a migration software to copy your installation and finally let you run the system from the ssd. Don't know the Details of other products, but there are different ways with partition managers, too.
 
Cheers ;) 

First of all, the i7-8700 was released in Q4 of 2017 so there's NO way this system is 2.5 years old...
 
Anyways... you MUST put the operating system on an SSD or you're missing out on modern computing, no matter how fast your CPU. You can clone the original drive with Macrium Reflect Free just fine, and it'll boot right up. Even better would be to make a Windows 10 bootable USB stick with the Media Creator and do a fresh install...
 
R

No, the OP's current i5 system is 2.5 years old, not the new i7 one.
 
I'm another one who is happily Cakewalking using the onboard integrated Intel HD4000 graphics to drive 2 monitors and it doesn't seem to have any negative impact. I even bought an nVidia Quadro for this system and it was buggier with that than with the integrated graphics so I took it out.
 
The only reason I would go with a separate video card these days would be that there are some uses that use the GPU for signal processing, like some video NLE's use it during rendering, and sometimes the graphics look crisper to me with different cards and their drivers. I prefer nVidia.
 
I was always taught that for any serious use of a computer beyond word processing and spreadsheets, get a REAL graphics card in there, so I still feel kinda weird about it, but I gave it a shot after the Quadro washed out and was pleasantly surprised.

I pulled the trigger and ordered the PC should have it tomorrow. For now I am going with it stock, though I will certainly upgrade the RAM and will look at a SSD in the next year once I seek some gear.

2 questions for you guys.

1- since I do use Dimension, Rapture, Addictive Keys for instruments and I’ve recently started using the Blue Tubes Pultec EQ models as I don’t have another Pultec style plugin. Should I just install the last SPLAT?

2- Any suggested, easy to follow, resources out there for how I should optimize this PC?

I’m really excited, my music life has been tied up in playing in cover bands for the last 7 years and very little focus on serious recording. I’ve recently left my career of playing covers every weekend behind and want to focus on writing recording, getting this PC add to that!

Thank you guys all for your help.

One thing I forgot for my last build was noise.  Think about silent fans and a noise suppressing case!!!

If you are only using it as a DAW I suggest avoiding a graphics card until prices go down.  Right now I'd hate to build a DAW with the high prices of RAM and graphics.

stm113cw
1- since I do use Dimension, Rapture, Addictive Keys for instruments and I’ve recently started using the Blue Tubes Pultec EQ models as I don’t have another Pultec style plugin. Should I just install the last SPLAT?

Of the plug-ins identified only Blue Tubes plug-ins may require Platinum. For alternatives to the bundled BT Pultec, try the pure setting on the Quad Curve EQ or Ignite Amps PTEq-X. That said, the conventional wisdom is install Platinum (if only to open old projects containing bundled plug-ins) before installing CbB.