Hello all Techies,
 
I need to update my computer so I can run Sonar X3e more efficiently or any other newer version of Sonar I should purchase.   The Max amount of RAM this motherboard I have can only run 8 Gigs.  The motherboard is a Gigabyte P35-DS3R, and the processor is an Intel Q6600 2.4 GHz Quad Core.  I love how quiet the computer case is and the ability to control the fan speed, as well as having the case insulated for noise. so  I want to retain the use of the computer case.
My question is, If I decide to upgrade my PC components and get a new processor, RAM and Motherboard, will I need to reinstall Sonar X3e and all of the plugins, as well as Windows 8.1?  Can I just call Microsoft and inform them of my update and receive a new serial number for Windows? What about Sonar X3.  If I re-install the same hard drive, will I still be able to use this version of Sonar with all of it's plugins or will it require a new installation of everything?
 
Here to hoping you all give me some good news.
 
Thanks,

Hi. Others will probably know more, but. If you bought official Win 8.1, you can re - use it. If it is an OEM version, you can not. If you reinstall Win8, you will have to reinstall SONAR as well.
The HD does not care (much) about what hardware changes (unless it is an OEM version, that keeps a score for hardware changes).
I am upgrading from the same specs (more or less), and do not think that I have to reinstall any software.
Best of luck.

The big problem with the move is that your old Win boot drive/system expects to wake up in your old computer using the drivers for that equipment. In many cases, it can find default or suitable drivers and just start up, in some cases it will start in safe mode only and you will need to find and install the appropriate drivers for that new computer before you can run it normally, and in some cases it may not start up at all. A new computer is a wonderful opportunity to do a clean Windows installation, which can clear out a lot of collected junk that may eventually cause performance issues or other problems. The techies, will probably advise you to do the work of installing everything fresh on a new computer.
 
The problem with the license key and activation is that so much new hardware will likely lead Windows to decide that you have tried to install your OS on two computers or on one that is not covered in the license. In general if you bought a computer with Windows installed the license is locked to that computer, and Microsoft can simply refuse to allow you to validate and run it on the new hardware. You might be able to get a new license and activation by buying a new license from MS that could be applied to your new computer, but you need to check on that first. Usually you can just buy a new copy of the same version and use that key, but it may not always work with OEM modified and licensed products. It would be a pain to move and tweak an old installation to the new machine and then find you need to buy and install a new OS from scratch for licensing reasons.
 

I have done a clean reinstall of Windows more than once, and I've not had any issues with my "Genuine" (ha) Windows license. I would certainly expect MS to complain if it sees the same license key active on 2 machines at the same time.
 
My concern would be the reuse of the case. A new motherboard with a faster processor and more RAM will likely generate more heat. I'd hate to see that heat trapped inside of your case. Just make sure you can provide adequate cooling.

Honestly your specs seem good enough for running Sonar as-is.  I'd max out the ram, change the settings for maximum performance in Windows, and not change anything else.  You could also try overclocking your CPU if your motherboard allows it and you're feeling adventurous.

I had a MB failure a few years ago and had to do exactly what you are comtemplating.  This was with XP I believe.  I pull the MB out of the case (a Gigabyte MB similar to yours) along with the memory and processor and dropped in a new MB, slapped a new processor in and put some memory in it.  I plugged in the HD and I think everything booted up straight away.  I did have to install some new drivers for hardware on the MB (usb, etc.).  It was a very smooth process.