The older Q6600 Quad Intel CPU that I have supports the Win 7/XP Virtualization.

Regarding virtualization, the only computers I know for sure that do not support it are the Sony Vaios, which therefore means that you cannot use the XP VM in Windows 7 PRO. Sony spewed some BS about virtualization being a security threat.

Thanks guys - I'm not sure that virtual XP and 12Gb RAM liimit are deal breakers for me at this point but appreciate the ideas.

BTW RogerS - the download doesn't seem to be available for Home Premium users and requires one to download the Microsoft validation software??

Hardware virtualization was initially a requirement for use of "XP mode" with Win 7 but now is available for CPU's that do not have that capability.

from the FAQ
"Is hardware virtualization a must-have to run Windows XP Mode?
No. Windows XP Mode can be run on a CPU without hardware virtualization."

Windows Virtual PC (the generic version that requires a second OS) is available here. It will run on home premium. The win 7 business system includes a licensed version of XP available as a download here, but do not confuse that with the ability to run VPC.

I am assuming that people do not intend to use virtualization mode as a platform to run Sonar, as I expect that there is a substantial performance penalty to pay. But if anyone is using it for that purpose I would be interested in hearing how it is working.

fwrend

BTW RogerS - the download doesn't seem to be available for Home Premium users and requires one to download the Microsoft validation software??

I had previously thought that and only used VPC on XP Pro, Vista Business, and Win 7 Pro. Then I read here on the forums that you can install VPC on the home versions. When you are warned that your OS is not supported, don't cancel the install, just keep going. I now have it running perfectly on Vista Home and Win7 Home.

I read the comments. So, is Windows 7 Pro really worth it? Are there any drawbacks to Pro? I'm getting a new DAW very soon and want to know if I should get Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Pro.

You will note that this thread started a couple of years ago.  Windows 8 will be hitting the market October 26. If you want you can download a working copy of the Windows 8 Release Preview free and get started with that, then when the final version comes out you can switch to that if the preview is working for you. The other option would be to buy a Windows 7 version and upgrade in October for 39.99. Since you can get the upgrade price from any version of XP, Vista or Windows 7, it does not make a lot of sense to pay twice as much for a Windows 7 Pro version that will be outdated in a couple of months. There really is not much advantage to the Pro windows 7 for DAW use. Your music software will run fine on the home premium version.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/release-preview

I just built a new PC and installed Win 7 64 bit Home.  Sonar X1 64 bit runs without problems.