Hi,
 
I've read a lot of posts about computer configurations and still can't seem to figure out what to get.  I'm planning on purchasing Sonar X2 Studio.  I actually don't plan to record with it, I just plan to edit, mix, and master.  This would bands I play in that want to make a demo cd to help get some gigs.  The bands are 8 piece horn bands.  All the tracks have been recorded.  I don't care if I get a laptop or a desktop computer.  I have both now, neither of which meet the minimum requirements on the Cakewalk website.  My problem is I'm so out of touch with processors, I don't know how they compare.  For example:
 
1. Are all i3, i5, and i7 processors faster than the recommended Intel Core 2 Duo E8200 2.67 GHz?  If not, could you please recommend good, better, and best (based on my needs) so I have an idea on what to look for?
 
I'm not really looking for a custom made computer.  I just want something I can pick up at Best Buy.  Would this be good for me? 
 
2nd Gen Intel® Core™ i3-2120 processor

Features a 3MB cache and 3.3GHz processor speed.

4GB DDR3 memory, expandable to 8GB.

Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support

1TB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 rpm)

NVIDIA GeForce GT 545 graphics

2 USB 3.0 and 6 USB 2.0 ports

Built-in Wireless 1502 LAN (802.11n)

Built-in Gigabit Ethernet LAN

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system preinstalled

Or do I need something better? Suggestions? Thank you for your help!

Yes, it is confusing to hear a processor requirement as "better than" or "faster than" a previous generation of a given speed. Newer CPU's may have added cores, different processing algorithms etc. so that it is like saying you need a fruit better than an orange. Is that an apple or a banana? That said all core i3, i5 or i7 should probably be capable of running Sonar X2 studio for some uses. 

The specs for the minimum configuration by Cakewalk are probably set so that the user has a less than tear-your-hair-out frustrating experience using all of the available features on a small number of tracks. The use you describe is not the most demanding of CPU power or memory. Many users expect to use dozens of simultaneously active tracks, softsynths and heavy real-time processing that Cakewalk seems to promise, but can only deliver on a fairly robust platform.

The machine you describe is not the ideal DAW workstation. I suspect that for not a lot more money you could find a much more capable machine. But without knowing your budget, it is difficult for anyone to make a realistic recomendation.

Thanks for your response.  I thought what I planned to do with Sonar X2 would put me in a certain price range.  But if I need to throw a number out there, let's say $1000.  I just want something that can do a decent job of handling what I want to do.  If you want to talk fruit, I want a good tasting orange, not a whole fruit basket if I'm only going to eat the orange.
 
Thanks again!

While the CPU and amount of RAM is certainly important, even more important is the motherboard and chipset that is used. Many motherboard manufacturers don't consider streaming audio when designing their boards. It can be hit and miss if you don't know what to look for.

I you can convince Best Buy to let you run a latency checker before you buy the PC, you should.

Regards,
Dan