What I know about computers has just been from using them, reading forums like this and it ends there... (my wife knows nothing about cars - get the point?)
 
Using my ancient Dell (as posted on another thread asking why they're really not suited), I'm doing just fine with Sonar 7.02PE ...to a degree.  Home project studio with a handfull of VSTi and track counts don't exceed 24 in most cases (like the R to R days).
 
However couple of issues have prevented me from updating and I would think many are in my shoes too, so this may be a valid post.  I looked a year ago, but looking back am glad I didn't upgrade then - partly because my system works now...it's JUST OLD!
 
1.  I feel I'm getting "left behind" and would like to use and experience the latest software and computer abilities.  Pro Channel, Omnispehere, etc.
2.  I have a Layla 3G that is a PCI interface, so realizing that is potentially dated.  Add a new interface to the upgrade JUST because of PCI?
3.  Sonar X2 coming out soon ??  Get a clean install if that's happening - IOW skip X1 and all the updates?
4.  Is the i7 and all the Ivy Bridge stuff what I should shoot for or what's happening around the corner, since those items have been around for a bit.
5.  Seems systems max out at 16gig of RAM, without spending $400 more to jump up.  I thought RAM was cheap, or am I fussing about nothing now?
 
I'm not interested in the "bleeding edge" but something in the $1500+ range if that's possible.  Seeing that I spent $3500 for a custom SCSI build with all the "latest" Plextors back in the day, I don't wish to spend that amount to only lose $1500 in value over 6 months.  Meaning, not about saving money, but something that has a good value.
 
Build this fall?   And yes I understand, don't wait for technology.  Get it now.  This is kinda "treat myself" to something shiney and new.  I "milk" my system and get great results, imo.
 
oh yeah... delving into video is making my system crawl.  (too embarressed to quote current specs other than a PII with 2 gigs of RAM on XP.   Beyond that, I don't know cache, from BIOs tweaks, to ghtz on processors to optimum RAM over 8, etc....

I spent about $1000 and some change on my new system. My keyboard/mouse, video card, monitor and PCI Audio Card got transplanted to the new system. RAM is cheap, I got my 16GB sticks for around $100.
I bought most of my stuff from CircuitCity.com and NewEgg.com.

You can get a new system now, though if your old system is running fine you might want to wait a bit for more manufacturers to get on the 64-bit train with regard to plugins. Not all 32-bit plugins work fine in bridged mode on the 64-bi system. However, this year seems to be the threshold, especially with Windows 8 coming out, for software companies to get with the 64-bit program.

HI,

1) no matter when you buy its no different than a new car. they will depreciate period as does pretty much anything else
5 yrs from now your new computer (you buy today) will be worth about $50-$100 (assuming you can even find someone to buy it)
no way round this..

2)video requires far higher specs than audio generally. depends on the codec.

3) guessing for audio a socket 1155 would be plenty of power.  2600,2700k 3770/3770k
 for video you may want the newer 2011.  3930k


not a big jump in price really maybe $400

I would wait now if only to not have to do two installations of Windows and Sonar if you plan to go to Win 8 and X2.

Memory is cheap, but hard drive prices have not fallen back to the pre-Thailand-flooding trajectory. I expect that the price of smaller drives never will, as it looks like the manufacturers are moving to mega-drives as the new/repaired factories come online. Reliable large and affordable SSD's are still over the horizon, and the technological problems may take a couple of years to iron out yet. Intel seems to be pricing Ivy and Sandy very close together, so buying an older Sandy Bridge chip is less tempting. But if there are any left in the pipeline those prices may drop in the next six months, and if they drop enough it may make buying the older chip a price/performance winner.

Finally, if you are happy with your current performance, waiting for new technology has historically had the biggest bang for the buck of any investment strategy. Overall computer prices tend to stay the same, but what you get for your money increases over time. If you wait until you need to make the change, you will get a lot more machine for your money, than if you try to buy a future-proof machine now.

win8 will be pointless for audio especially if they dont get rid of metro (allow disabling)