Sir Les
Isn't the 32bit memory limited a windows based OS limitation only

 
Sort of. But even if the OS can address more memory getting 32 bit applications to see more than 4GB for their own use is a different matter. Then there's potential problems with the stability of third party drivers.
 

I happen to have 32 GB memory on my primary computer, and on Saturday did a concert using another music application - Brainspawn's Forte (VST Wrapper), and I was using a 'rack' with literally 26 instances of different synths, none of which had more than a single instrument loaded (even Kontakt).  There were 14 instance of Kontakt present.
 
The show ran without a hitch, and the software's 'stress rack' function showed it all ran with around 1.5 GB of memory used - a PITTANCE compared to the 32 GB in the computer.
 
Here are the upper RAM limits for the different editions of Windows 7:

• Starter: 8GB
• Home Basic: 8GB
• Home Premium: 16GB
• Professional: 192GB
• Enterprise: 192GB
• Ultimate: 192GB

Maxing out the memory on your motherboard is pretty cheap these days, and is a great bang for the buck - if you are running into memory-related limitations with your current setup.
 
While you COULD feed analog output from an old computer into your current system, what would you use for the D/A conversion?  You would need an additional audio interface, realistically.
 
In addition, old 32-bit systems are what I would view as far more likely to have hardware issues, most likely with their hard drives, and not something I would choose to rely on for a recording setup - particularly for any kind of professional setup.
 
We are also only licensed to run Sonar on a single computer at a time.
 
Storage isn't an issue these days, CPU's are pretty powerful these days, and memory is also readily available and pretty cheap.  A really fast and stable system can be available to many folks, and for at least a few more years are likely available with decent performance with the current technology levels.
 
There have been massively-parallel computers built, that share many thousands of processors, so it will probably end up being something that general folks could implement - just doesn't seem like quite yet.
 
http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/102187-scientists-create-brain-like-massively-parallel-computer-from-molecules
 
Someday,
 
Bob Bone
 

I thought we can use Sonar on 2, Bob? Hmmm, maybe that's just desktop and a laptop, not a 2nd desktop?
Hmmm
Anyway thanks for all that info.
And Focusrite has a few interfaces with "loopback" inputs for running audio from another program into your DAW, though I am not sure which models have it- Saffire Pro 26? 40? and maybe 6i6?
Michael

Are you recording an orchestra playing with Kraftwerk or perhaps engaging in weather warefare? Why do you need more CPU power?

I don't think he needs it,  he has it in the form of all his old machines and wants to make use of them.

In that case install Linux... The cost for multiple copies of sonar may be expensive. VST servers have already been discussed.

If you meant me....
My interest is purely curiosity. Since getting my new studio desktop, I'd been thinking I'd retire the laptop to web stuff and art, not using it for the studio. This thread piqued my options on how I can use it.
Michael 

Linux makes old machines behave like new. Sonar Platinum will not run however (yet)... Soon maybe.

Logic Pro could do distributed audio processing via ethernet up to v.9, only one computer needed to run Logic.  It was discontinued with the introduction of 64bit Logic Pro X which removed the memory restrictions of earlier versions. A pity really because while lack of memory might not be the problem it once was extra cpu power always comes in handy.

Again my interest is troubleshooting the os, and my system being buggy with it...Just windows MS os, since ever was one...has given me issues with IRQs and conflicting noises on my audio...Not saying it is still, but oddly things have caused another wipe out, trying to back up my system with Arconis 2015....and then crashing my windows admin account so I could no longer boot to it....Nice!
 
4 cores in my system and 32 gigs....not enough?...So let me overkill it...and see if selective cpu method solves for MS and its damned services of auto updates and other apps, can be re routed to a exclusive cpu, and run Sonar on the main...4 cores....No need to run the second system on a OS, or such...just turn on the machine, and use what it on the board, via bios or hardware PCI card that could be coded in Bios...I think would help....perhaps no memory just the cpu to add cores.
 
Bob mentions 8 cores...Yah 8 cores on my MAC....No issues with anything!
 
Is it the same with PC?....one *8  core*Cpu and windows MS running it's shpeal...as Bob said works well enough, but I do not have 8 cores nor 64gb of memory....do I have enough?...Well not here for me in one machine, but if I add in the others...(I got about 4 laying dead)(and two other work stations of 64bit cpu branding with 16gb sitting around doing little to nothing but internet at the moment)...and it seems others with lessor builds and possibilities, or choices have issues with setup and clicks pops and dropouts with DAWs of all sorts....So what is the solution?...minimum requirements to get 32 tracks recording at once if needs be, I am now at 24 tracks coming in,...but want to add the MAC and other machines to the fold....Perhaps as one poster put it, USE THE MAC as the STUDIO BRAIN...and run the PC as the backup...with the 4 tracker and the tape deck also....Then you have it all backed up....So yah....Just thinking about future possibilities, to make it all come into the fold, to work better is all for the PC user....OF WHICH...I know nothing about MAC....So it is hard for me to switch over, as I know nothing about it....But it does work much better in the regards to having the horse power Bob is putting forward....I just cannot get my head around it yet...I am still having trouble with the mouse....wink..
 
Sorry if it is a time suck away, from the FORUM boards needs in helping others find bliss,....But sometimes a mind and thoughts towards dual cpu on one board with multiple cores, and selective processing for os and software...((perhaps was server only)) could help developers cut the cost of building a new system, when all one needs is cpus added...Perhaps can be considered a mainstay to allow glitch free functionality if system only meets the minimum requirements, one could add via XYZ to infuse more performance from......Just a thought if IRQ request of cpu time is causing issues with audio record or playback, and or renders...Then a solution must be forthcoming from somewhere....I guess Bob's solution is the only answer of merit in place at this time...and 8 cores cost how much?...and a board to run that ?....and 64-192gbs in my book was not cheep...And to let MS screw it up just ain't my bag to want to let happen with out some sort of control in hands on, and hands off settings!.....If you get my meaning?......cheers!