Thinking for me is dangerous. As I lay here counting cracks in the ceiling I remember that my PC is 5 years old. Maybe I should just get a new one. What would be the best PC to buy? I don't want touch tech PC 's with Win 8. I'm old and set in my ways. I want a regular desk top PC. How much can I afford? Let's say $1500. Is Packard still in business? I know Dell is.  

no you dont need a new machine 
 
CPU2.66GHz Intel Core i7 920 Motherboard chipsetIntel X58 Memory6GB 1,066MHz DDR3 SDRAM Graphics1GB ATI Radeon HD 4870 Hard drives(2) 500GB 7,200rpm Optical driveBlu-ray drive NetworkingGigibit Ethernet Operating systemWindows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64-bit)  
Pretty decent specs seems to me. you already have 2 HDs
you maybe could add a third for VST libraries  after the memory upgrad or change out the C drive for a SSD drive

You can get a pretty good PC for $1500. The only problem with "off the shelf" stuff is they generally use cheaper products on their builds and also include a lot of bloatware.
 
For just a little more than that ($400), I built my gaming/DAW machine last june......I got a fairly good graphics card (for gaming) + a new  monitor which boosted up the price to about $1900. The good thing about putting a PC together is YOU get to choose all the (quality) parts that YOU want, and not settle for a standardized unit with inferior parts.
 
Of course, if you don't like to put it together, you can always contact Jim Roseberry or Scott from ADK and see what they can do for your budget. You'll have a peace of mind that it's done properly AND suited to your needs.      

musicman100
no you dont need a new machine 
 
CPU2.66GHz Intel Core i7 920 Motherboard chipsetIntel X58 Memory6GB 1,066MHz DDR3 SDRAM Graphics1GB ATI Radeon HD 4870 Hard drives(2) 500GB 7,200rpm Optical driveBlu-ray drive NetworkingGigibit Ethernet Operating systemWindows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) 
 
Pretty decent specs seems to me. you already have 2 HDs
you maybe could add a third for VST libraries  after the memory upgrad or change out the C drive for a SSD drive

You is my hero! You know I Am moroon! adding a third HD for VST libraries after the memory upgrad or changing out the C drive for a SSD drive will require considerable guidance for me 

bayoubill
Seems like the Dell guys are only interested in selling me stuff. I kept bringing up my RAM upgrade and they kept talking about selling me something. They did say I need to buy from them to get the proper part. The RAM they sell is more expensive. I'm through talking to them.

 
As I told him here.
 
(Boy, what's with this guy???  I think he needs more RAM.  )

(Boy, what's with this guy???  I think he needs more RAM.  )
Can't you see I Am mentalay disabled! I can't use my intellagance as properly as others here so I have to type slow so I get my words order in . Besides I Am old too. Have some cymbalace of impathee. It's too late now anyway. I ordered the RAM. 

bayoubill
(Boy, what's with this guy???  I think he needs more RAM.  )
Can't you see I Am mentalay disabled! I can't use my intellagance as properly as others here so I have to type slow so I get my words order in . Besides I Am old too. Have some cymbalace of impathee. It's too late now anyway. I ordered the RAM. 

Which set of RAM did you order?

Mesh

bayoubill
(Boy, what's with this guy???  I think he needs more RAM.  )
Can't you see I Am mentalay disabled! I can't use my intellagance as properly as others here so I have to type slow so I get my words order in . Besides I Am old too. Have some cymbalace of impathee. It's too late now anyway. I ordered the RAM. 

Which set of RAM did you order?

Paul McCartney's.  He heard somewhere that he was the best composer. 
 

Since my PC is getting old like me I decided to go with 6 two GB for 12 GB total. I figure I have a few years on this PC. and if I need to spend any more money I'll get a new PC. 12 GB should be fine   

My PC tried to upgrade my memory, but it wasn't compatible with me. Now, I beep loudly when I wake up.
 
At least, that's what I'm told. I don't remember it, though.