I am still running Sonar-7 and for my needs I have no desire to upgrade.  I need to purchase a new computer, however.  Could someone lay out the specs for me as to what would be the most efficient computer to purchase.  Also, since I will be going to Windows 7 pro, will Sonar-7 work just as well as it did on XP?  ....and, should I go with a quad core or would an i3 we sufficient?
 
Thanks,
Steve 

Hi Steve,

Sonar 7 will run just fine under Win7x64 Pro.
If you could provide more details on the scope/type of projects you're working on, you'll receive more hardware advice that matches your needs.  
ie:  If you're working on extensive/dense mixes, an i3 CPU isn't going to deliver.  However, if you are just using the machine to track audio (like a virtual tape machine), an i3 would be ok.

• How many tracks is a typical production?
• Do you make use of virtual instruments?  If so, how extensive?
• Do you want/need to work at ultra low latency (64-sample ASIO buffer size or smaller)?

Why not just contact Jim and buy one of his custom built PC's for DAW work.  You will be assured of getting something that will be what you want and need.  If you buy an off the shelf PC, such as a Dell, HP, Gateway, there no guarantee they will work satisfactory for a Recording system.

I looked at the off the shelf systems, including the latest and greatest Dell XPS and was disappointed (I'm a somewhat PC tech).  I built my own but I realize there are many that can't or don't want to build their own.

Bigger is always better. Even if you're only doing solo peices. Headroom and unused resources are a good thing. Don't get anything smaller than a Quad Core and 4Gb of memory if you're going to install 32bit. Get 8GB of mem if you're going to use 64bit. The possible configs of harware are numerous, so it is best to buy from a known DAW builder who knows and offers what works in terms of motherboards, processors, etc. I'm familiar with Sonar 7 and you'd like 8.5.3 even more if you can still get a copy. People are saying good things about X2 also.
I don't know what you're using now but the jump to a Quad core will make you very happy.

However, if you are just using the machine to track audio (like a virtual tape machine), an i3 would be ok.

 
Yes, I'm an old analog guy who records mostly Jazz and Acoustic music never using more than 16 tracks.  Most of the time I track on an analog machine and dump the tracks into Sonar just to mix and edit.  Processing and editing is not extensive, but I would like to have the ability to go deeper into effects if the need should ever arise.   My old computer was a duel core, but it did freeze up at times.
 
If you could, please explain the advantage of a low latency.
 
Thanks much,
Steve
 
 

If you could, please explain the advantage of a low latency.

 
Basically, the advantage of a low latency is that you can play, record, and hear what you're playing in real time through the DAW, as if it were an actual amp or live sound system.

You didn't indicate your current system's specs, or whether your current system was performing adequately to your needs, but if you are planning to continue using Sonar 7 you probably don't need a quad core. Sonar 7 (and some plug-ins running under it) had problems with multicore/multiprocessor systems and in many cases ran better with multiprocessing disabled, which problems were addressed in Sonar 8. So, for Sonar 7 an i3 should be sufficient, and maybe even just a single core Celeron, unless you foresee ever updating to a newer version of Sonar.

Also, might be prudent to be circumspect about any recommendations that you purchase a pre-built system from a certain vendor, especially when recommended to do so by someone saying they built their own system instead, and if inclined to purchase a pre-built system from a vendor then it might also be prudent to first ask the vendor to put you in touch with some customers who purchased a system from them for similar usages to yours.

I highly recommend Jim's services. In the past I have built my own but am too busy to research and build at the moment so I had Jim build me one. Some people on the board are not very supportive of Jim ( or Scott). It may be prudent to be cautious of those that may poo poo their services without having used them. 

As someone who has done both, I can't recommend Jim's services enough. Do a search on the forum and you will find many threads/posts dedicated to praising Jim's services.  That being said, if you have the knowledge, time and patience you could build your own. Only YOU can decide what is best for your situation.

Yes, I'm an old analog guy who records mostly Jazz and Acoustic music never using more than 16 tracks.  Most of the time I track on an analog machine and dump the tracks into Sonar just to mix and edit.  Processing and editing is not extensive, but I would like to have the ability to go deeper into effects if the need should ever arise.   My old computer was a duel core, but it did freeze up at times.   If you could, please explain the advantage of a low latency.

Hi Steve,

If you want some "headroom" to grow into more extensive projects, I'd recommend at least an i5 CPU.
The difference in cost is minimal... especially if you consider the lifetime of the machine (typically 3-5 years).


i3-3225     3.3GHz               ~$145
i5-3570k   3.4GHz/3.9GHz     ~$230
i7-3770k   3.5GHz/3.9GHz     ~$330


Note that with the right components, you can run the 3770k rock-solid at 4.5GHz.
The k series CPUs are multiplier-unlocked by Intel... specifically for controlled over-clocking.
The 3770k at 4.5GHz is *fast*.  You can run dense mixes at a 64-sample ASIO buffer size.

Running at small ASIO buffer sizes (64-samples or less) keeps round-trip latency to a minimum.
This enables you to effectively play/monitor in realtime thru software based EFX/processing.
ie: You could effectively track DI electric bass or guitar... while listening thru your favorite AmpSim plugin.

Lower latency also means tighter response/timing when playing virtual instruments...

This is the spec list I put together to get a DAW PC built.  I'd welcome comments and also like input on the type of mainboard that would compliment this stuff

Chip Core i5 3.1GHz I would take a recommendation on this.   O/S 64-bit Windows 7     RAM 16Gb     Drive 1 500GB       Partition 1 Contains O/S & program files 460   Partition 2 SWAP (not dynamic) 16GB   Partition 3 Print Spool 8GB   Partition 4 %TEMP% 8GB   Partition 5 SPARE 8GB Drive 2 1Tb       Partition 1 Blank 100GB   Partition 2 Blank 900GB Video Dual 512 MB AMD FirePro 2270, To allow quad monitor   Power Supply 635W quiet would be good   DVD /CD Any decent unit     Case Rack Mount 4U or 2U     USB Typical 4-6     Firewire 400 & 800 Add in PCI card is acceptable