There are some really encouraging posts here.
 
What I take away from this is that I need a 7200rpm HDD, which my laptop has.
 
But, with a tired old duo-core running at 2.5GHz and four gigs of ram it just won't keep up.
 
So, since I am only keeping the .cwp files on this tracking PC for the duration of the tracking session, and then moving them to my Lacie to copy to my ProStudio, I should consider an SSD for a new system, or maybe an upgrade to the laptop, but doubt that upgrade would yield any real performance increase...but, I don't know.
 
I know it is better to have two HDDs, one for the OS and one for project files. I can't imagine I would benefit from connecting one of my Lacies, using USB, while tracking. Wouldn't that actually slow me down.
 
Also, if I get a new system, should I still stick to the two HDD set up, and if so, is an SSD necessary?
 
I really did not realize the difference between the two systems.
 
I think my ProStudio is perfect for my mixing/mastering, as I use many plug-ins and will soon be adding soft-synths.
 
But, I did not realize how different an optimized tracking  PC could be. I am confident that I could carry the ProStudio downstairs to the tracking room, and it would kick butt, but I don't want to disturb the set-up in the mixing/mastering room or take any chances with that PC...it is just not worth it.
 
So I guess I don't really need an i7. That saves my money.
 
Any other suggestions will get me closer to whether or not I will build a PC or buy one, or upgrade the laptop with 2 more gigs of ram and an SSD...LOL.
 
 

I'm not sure at this point if your thinking of building/ buying a desktop computer just for tracking or still trying to get the Dell to run smoothly. 
 
I'm not sure in all the back and forth in the other thread if anyone advised this option. 
 
Purchase a 120 GB SSD drive for the Dell and install a fresh copy of Windows 7. Not the Dell OME version with the bloatware, but a proper copy. I'm optimistic that it would serve you fine for tracking. If not at least you'd still have a better laptop for other uses, no loss really. 
 

I am really on the fence.
 
I do see the advantage of two HDD so that is important if I buy/build. Unfortunately the only way to use two HDDs with the laptop is to use an external HDD with USB, but won't that be a bottleneck?
 
If not, then maybe it is a good idea to try the SSD in the laptop and hook up and external. If this works then great.
 
If not I can use the SSD for the buy/build if necessary.
 
Oh, and my copy of Win7 is a good copy...my laptop shipped with Vista. I got rid of that the first year.
 
So here is the plan...please correct or advise on specs.
 
Laptop attempt: get an SSD for internal and try external (USB) HDD for project files...that is if you guys/gals don't think the external will bottleneck me.
 
Buy/build: i5 quad 3.0 GHz or higher, 8GB of ram or more, internal HDD @ 7200rpm and a second one of the same, or upgrade to SSD for use with the project files not the OS...I think that is right. On board HD4600.
 
Let me know what you think.
 
Thanks
 
 

There's no doubt (from a performance perspective) that you'd be better with the custom build.  

You don't need to record directly to the external. I would record to the internal SSD and dump it to the external at the end of the night. 
An internal SATA drive be it regular 7200 or  SSD is going to handle a lot more than a external USB drive. 
Don't erase the files on the SSD until they are also transferred from the External to your main DAW. That way there is always 2 copies on hand. 
 
I built my DAW with a 120 SSD OS drive, it also has a 1 TB 7200 data drive for all music stuff and a 500 Gig data back up drive. I also have a couple of external drives. 
 
 

Jim...you are so right, but I really can't swing that kind of cash right now.
 
I guess I will stick with what I got and drop the TH2 for now.

One note.  The Dell OEM version OS DOES NOT have any bloatware in it.  This is a misconception that some have.  Its no different than any other OEM OS version except that it is pre activated.  Bloatware is other software that is installed by PC manufacturers and its not limited to Dell, almost all do that.  Bloatware and the OS are two totally different things. 
 
If a Dell owner reinstalls using the Dell "PC Restore" (recovery partition on the hard drive) they will get everything as it was originally delivered.  However, if a Dell user only installs the OS using a Dell installation disc it will ONLY be the Operating System, nothing else (and in that case they will have to install all the device drivers).
 
 
 

Thanks for the details on Dell Jack.
I just re did an old 2001? Dell Optiplex GX240 and XP SP2 had the drivers. Not generic but the exact ones listed for it. 
I found it tossed out at work and was not optimistic that it would even run as is. But after 5 minutes it booted in to default XP. So I swapped out the 20 GB drive for a 250 GB and it's nice and perky now. It's going in my wife's art studio so she can listen to music and look at pictures.