And when you try to do it yourself, with help...you learn more!...and that is a good thing younge Jedi....Then you can help others.....for free!

Johnbee58
Sonar X3 does run on this setup and I can get about maybe 10-15 channels running before I start to get the "crackling" sound indicating an overtaxed processor...

A crackling sound can be caused by several issues, and it not always indicative of "overtaxed processor." Some plugins can do this, as well as what you are doing at the time. I saw "ASIO4ALL" in your comments which has been hit-or-miss with many (the threads posted are often the misses, of course).
 
Things to consider...

1. When tracking, you need low latency, so audio buffers set low helps this... the counterpoint with low latency is it can become MASSIVE CPU usage (depending on plugins/synths used). When tracking (recording) a project with plugins already inserted, hitting "E" to bypass plugins will free CPU.
2. When mixing, the ASIO buffer can be increased... I track from 64-128 samples, mix from 128-256 typically, but "heavy handed" plugins can require mixing even higher to reduce CPU loading. Some plugins also have "look ahead" features which use more resources since they need to anticipate what is coming... they cannot be used with low audio buffers (simple fact) without causing issues.
3. ASIO4ALL is a "red flag" to many, as it is really using WDM mode, but "looks like" ASIO to other software. These drivers are invasive, and can actually cause issues with genuine drivers. If drivers exist for your interface, it is highly recommended to use them and completely uninstall ASIO4ALL (even having these installed can cause grief).
4. Keep an eye on when you insert plugins and how CPU/performance changes. Some are CPU heavy (especially at low buffers). If hitting "E" improves things dramatically, consider either using another plugin or increasing buffers.

To your original question... unfortunately there is no "cookbook" reference/solution for this... the user must understand what they own, what it does, and how it affects things.

 
 
 
That is base line first to do..."considering the system and setup for X", and what needs to be done with it, without optimizing the os services to extremes, but turning off virus, and auto updates is a Tweak to the os if the os provides these things and other apps auto update, turn that off...... msconfig will sort some of that out, and start up apps...on or off...perhaps  a better sound  card or audio solution would be best, if that is the only means to get music in and out using that driver with DAWs...Consider what needs to be done, gotten, and pulled, to get what you need done right....is considering setup for...x...So good advice Johnbee58...think It all out....take your time!
 
 
Oh another problem found with making clicky audio even on high end systems recently on this forum...HD audio HDMI video Ati cards....Might want to turn that off to...and nip it in the butt...if you got one?