So this is now as I was advised to move to this thread.
 
Mainly what I need for now is a Daw that is better then the i3 4gb laptop I'm using now to use Sonar Plat.
I was thinking a off the shelf i5 8mg Dell. I have around 700.00. I don't have time to wait.
But after looking here I thought I could build a basic DAW. 
So my thinking was to get a nice board and upgrade it as I can afford to and have something that can mix up to 20 to 30 audio tracks now. I normally mix as I do and then bounce export waves then set up a new project. so final mix won't be that taxing. I use all native VSTs. Can I get by for now with this build? 

I guess this will be the build for now with lots of room to upgrade.
Just under $760.00
MB / CPU Combo w/ Intel Core i5 (Socket 1150)
w/ Core i5 4590 (4 x 3.7GHz CPU - 6MB Cache +1150MHz Graphics) Asus Z97-P
8GB DDR3-1600 Memory. 1 stick.
Windows 8.1
Performance Cooling Package
500GB SATA3 6gb/sec 7200RPM (16MB Cache) Hard Drive
24x DVD+/-RW Drive
600W - Thermaltake Mid-Tower
 
Thanks for the help.

If you can be a little patient in saving a little more money for a build, that's the best way to go. Most off-the-shelf PC's use very cheap/generic parts that are likely to cause a lot of headaches with all the demands of a DAW.
 
The good thing about building a machine is you have complete control of everything that goes into it and if you choose wisely, you'll have a solid machine that'll last for quite some time. I'm not sure how good/bad all those parts are that you've listed above, but it's always good to research/read reviews on each to know the good/bad before buying.
 
If possible, add another 8Gb stick of RAM and also look into having some seperate drives (both are 'inexpensive'):
Drive 1) for Win 8.1 + all your software (an 250GB SSD is highly recommended)
Drive 2) for all your Sonar projects
Drive 3) (optional) if you have a lot of audio samples
 
The i7's are known to be better suited for DAW's, but I know budget comes into play.......
 
Hopefully, someone who's familiar with those listed parts (above) will come and chime in.
 
Good luck with the build!! 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thanks Mesh, I hear ya but I need to get running and I'm over budget now.
I will just have to keep the case open and ad stuff as I can. I do have a 1T external SSD drive.
I understand why I need more then one drive, I just cant get my head around how and what I would install to the SSD drive. I see on my laptop I am using 121gb out of 500gb. I have been saving projects to the SSD drive but I have to goof them on. this will be my 1st build in 15 years and I'm excited about that. From what I'm seeing about the Asus Z97-P board, its amazing.
 
It looks like they put most of the computer together anyway but still to jump back into knowing my system inside out and that it can be upgraded is cool as well..
 
I wish that more folks would have offered advise but I deserve that...
 
Peace!

FoggyMind
Thanks Mesh, I hear ya but I need to get running and I'm over budget now.
I will just have to keep the case open and ad stuff as I can. I do have a 1T external SSD drive.
I understand why I need more then one drive, I just cant get my head around how and what I would install to the SSD drive. I see on my laptop I am using 121gb out of 500gb. I have been saving projects to the SSD drive but I have to goof them on. this will be my 1st build in 15 years and I'm excited about that. From what I'm seeing about the Asus Z97-P board, its amazing.
 
It looks like they put most of the computer together anyway but still to jump back into knowing my system inside out and that it can be upgraded is cool as well..
 
I wish that more folks would have offered advise but I deserve that...
 
Peace!

Using an SSD to install Windows and its applications (all software) will give you significantly faster boot‑up and application launch times than conventional HD's. My PC boots up in under 9 secs and it's ready to go....same when clicking on any software (i.e. Sonar) as it'll load up instantaneously. Once you're in the program (i.e. Sonar), the SSD won't make any difference......just loading times for software apps will be a flash.  (I'm still amazed after 2 yrs. of having it).
 
 

sounds cool!
Thanks!

Contact Jim Roseberry, one of our forum members (at StudioCat). He will do a consult for you for a small fee and give you a shopping list of parts with links to the suppliers along with prices. The beauty is that Jim's used the components he recommends so you know that the compatability between parts is rock solid.

Thanks Mike V. but it's too late, Setting it up now.. lol
Have a good one!

Jim Roseberry is the one to contact. He is the best. 

Rimshot
Jim Roseberry is the one to contact. He is the best. 

Yeah I checked out his site and a few others. I think I came close to a few DAW builds that I looked at for half the price with room to grow. Now I just need to start recording and heat it up to find out if I was a fool or not.. lol!
 
Peace!