I'm hoping I can get a little guidance here.  It's been a few years since I actively used Sonar, and am looking to get back into DAW recording.  The last version of Sonar I used was 8.5, but I am very intrigued by all the features of X3.  Before I make the upgrade (which will also require me to upgrade my computer's OS), I wanted to check on some things here.
 
I use a Dell Optiplex 755, with a 2.4ghz processor, 8gb ram, and 2 500gb Maxtor hard drives.  I currently run XP, but I know I need to upgrade to at least Windows 7.  I guess my first question is:  Is the 2.4ghz processor powerful enough for X3?  That is the minimum requirement I could find for processor speed, but my 8gb ram is 4x the minimum for memory.  I am also wondering about 32 vs 64 bit.  Should I buy a particular version of Windows 7?  Are the 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows 7 sold as different packages?  I'm assuming they are.  And, depending on whether I have 32 or 64 bit Windows, do I then need to download the corresponding upgrade of X3?  Are there different 32 and 64 bit downloads of X3?
 
If there are any other potential issues I should be aware of before I start the whole upgrade process, I wouldn't mind having them brought to my attention here!  Thanks a lot for all who contribute to this forum; it was definitely a contributing factor when I decided to go with Sonar as my DAW of choice.

If you go out & buy Win 7, you'll probably find it comes with 2 discs - one for 32 bit & one for 64 bit - my copy did!
 
 
 
 

Before spending any money on the PC run the X2 demo on it. Then you can see if the hardware is adequate for your needs. IIRC, the X2 demo does install on XP.
 
Using 32bit Windows defeats the purpose of having 8GB of RAM because only 3.5GB would be used. Install 64bit Windows.
 
SONAR includes both 32 and 64bit versions in one installer. Assuming you are moving from 8.5 32bit, you would probably want to install 8.5 32bit and both 32 and 64bit versions of X3. They all will run fine on 64bit Windows. This will help opening older projects and transitioning to 64bit.
 
 

Cool, I didn't know that about the Sonar installer having both versions.  Thanks for that info.  And hopefully I'll get a Windows 7copy  that has both versions as well.  I've totally wiped both hard drives of everything.  Used a zero fill utility (Dban) and wiped those puppies to their factory state.  I REALLY want to avoid any issues that could arise from crap that had built up on the system over the years, so I've got it so Windows 7 and Sonar X3 will be going on completely clean drives.

The machine appears to be 5 years old?
Factor in your budget the cost of windows 7/8 vs the cost of buying a new machine with windows 8 (assuming you haven't already bought the OS).
 
Cheers..

Also windows 7 upgrade advisor here (there is also a windows 8 one):
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=20
 

Well, it appears that Dell does not "officially" support Windows 7 for the Optiplex 755.  However, a cursory Google search reveals that it does tend to work, and even Dell says that one can oftentimes use Vista 64 bit drivers with success.  I think I'll gamble the $100 or so (I'm assuming that Home Edition is okay for single-user music production) and hope that it'll work, as that's quite a bit cheaper than buying a new computer with specs suitable for this type of music production.  With any luck, I'll be back soon asking more Sonar-specific questions.  I just need to wade through these OS installation issues before I even get to Sonar X3.  Thanks for the help!

Be careful if buying an OEM version of windows 7 as it does not include both 32 & 64 bit versions of the OS. Only a retail copy includes both versions.

Interesting, I didn't know that.  I know that OEM stands for "original equipment manufacturer", but my plan was to go to Best Buy and just grab a copy of Window 7 Home (after hopefully verifying that it has the 64 bit version).  So I assume that by getting it at a retailer, it would be a retail copy?  Or could I inadvertently purchase an OEM copy at a place like Best Buy?  Sorry if I'm straying a little off-topic; this is all designed to get me running X3, I swear!

I am not clear on the motivation is to secure both 32bit and 64bit versions of Windows. Both 32bit and 64bit versions of SONAR run fine on 64bit Windows. On the other hand only 32bit SONAR will run on 32bit Windows.