My off-line system is a lot like Video Tracks, Win 7 Pro, 16 gigs of ram and an i7 Intel motherboard. I had extra USB cards installed and I have two 1TB HDs installed, both partitioned in half. The C:\ drive is for the OS and programs that have to be installed in the root drive while the D:\ drive is for other programs and data. The E:\ drive is home for all of my patches and RTs and RDs while the F:\ drive is for more data. This computer is only used for my music and my photography hobbies.

I have my computers custom made with high quality off the shelf parts. I have seen a number of inexpensive store bought computers with poor quality parts and in fact my nephew purchased a $300 USD HP that died within one month. I know that is not the norm but it would be one big PITA if it had happened with my music system! Plus my systems come with no added software crap, i.e. just the OS and MS Essentials anti-virus. These will cost a little more but it is well worth it in the long run IMHO.

Back to your question get the fastest computer with the most ram that you can afford. I would suggest at least an i7 Intel with 16 gigs of ram. Also factor in the cost of an audio interface, i.e. sound card. Do not even think about using the on board sounds and interfaces. You will have to determine how many inputs for your guitars, keyboards, mics, etc to buy a big enough audio interface that you need. Also does your keyboard(s) have a 5 pin MIDI plug or an USB plug as that will influence what you need in an audio interface.

Also will you need a monitor? Remember the bigger the better, especially with Sonar. Will you need a pair of near field monitors? Computer speakers don't cut it for music generation.

I hope this doesn't confuse you and I hope that it helps.

The fitness trainer asked me, "What kind of a squat are you accustomed to doing?" I said, "Diddly."


64 bit Win 11 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware