Which 64 bit version of Windows 7 do you recommend for running X2 Producer? Is there any reason to get anything more than Windows Home Premium? Thanks, Jonathan

I recommend Windows 8 Pro.

Win 7 Home Premium is fine unless you are going to need access to more than 16GB of RAM. If you are going to need more that 16GB use Win7 Profession.

John, What's the advantage of Windows 8 over 7? Does Windows 8 require more horsepower? This machine has a Core2Quad Q6600 CPU which is five years old, and I'm not sure if it's fast enough to run Windows 8. Thanks, Jonathan

Well I have the same thing. I came to Windows 8 from Vista. I noticed a much faster response and a nicer UI. It takes a little getting use to but its worth it. 

My view is it is an optimized version of Vista and Windows 7. MS learned how to make its OS better. The NT core is 6.1 for Vista 6.2 for Win 7 and 6.3 for Win 8.

I still have Vista on another HD and can boot it at any time yet I have not done that.  

To me Windows 7 is an option for those that are too timid to move to 8. There is no reason to avoid Windows 8. 

You might want to give some thought to anything you want to use the computer for other than just Sonar X2.

Since you're thinking about upgrading an "older" machine, look at your existing hardware and make sure you can get OS-specific drivers for any hardware you plan to keep.

Same goes for "older" apps - if you're seriously planning on upgrading to Windows 8, make sure any software package you plan to keep will run correctly under Windows 8 (Sonar X2 aside, a program running correctly on Windows 7 is no guarantee it will run correctly on Windows 8 ~ check the Microsoft compatibility web site to be sure).

Purchasing Windows 8 will be cheaper than Windows 7, but taking care of the rest could turn out to be MORE expensive if you have hardware and software compatibility issues and have to unexpectedly replace more than just the OS.

FWIW, a lot of folks here (myself included) are running X2A on "older" machines with Windows 7 Pro 64-bit and 8+ GB RAM, and aren't having any issues.  You could always start out that route, and add a dual-boot partition to run Windows 8 at a later date (that's my plan...)

Randy

Win 7 Pro is best for most IMO.

Even with XP I had to re-install it occasionally. I've been using the same Win 7 install for years now. What a great OS. They say Win 8 is better and needs less horspower giving it more horsepower. I say go Win 8.

I'm kicking myself for not doing the cheap upgrade to Win 8.

hockeyjx


Win 7 Pro is best for most IMO.

Why?

  How much of a learning curve is there from Windows 7 to Windows 8?