Yet another "help me upgrade" thread...

If all else fails you can get Windows 7 PRO 64 for $134 or Windows 7 Ultimate 64 for $174 from tiger direct and own a real copy for youself. Get windows 8 and spend the extra $75-100 if need be and set it up how you like. Then you own a real honest to ... disc with real honest to ... software. If you decide to switch download all the Dell drivers for your machine in whichever flavor of windows you decide to go with first and burn to CD from win8 beforehand.

Thanks for the in-depth info - it's much appreciated! It sounds like it's a toss-up. I considered a DIY build, but time and outside responsibilities got to a point where I'm OK with the tradeoffs of a pre-built machine. I kinda settled on Dell given my prior history - my current machine was a consumer-level Dell that's lasted quite a while. I've also done tech support for some pretty Dell-heavy offices - good point about buying from the business line. The 8700 I've been looking at is sold in both Home and Business stores, but the only difference I can see is Business offers it with only Win 7 Pro, and Home sells with Win 7 Home Premium/8.1. I'm guessing that the i7-4770 should handle multiple VSTi's and fx well, even if it's overkill for general computing. Typically I use stuff like BFD Eco, Addictive Keys, Sampletank instruments along with Variety of Sound and Reaplugs, mostly virtual recording with 1-3 tracks of actual audio from my interface. RAM limits would be the primary thing driving my OS choice at this point, since I know there's a hard limit on RAM for Win 7 Home. Should I even worry about RAM for DAW use if I'm going for the i7?

Windows 7 Home Premium is good for 16gb. I'm not sure if you'll really need more than that. I have 16gb on my laptop, and can't say I ever really need more (also has an older i7). I'm hard pressed to say most users need more than 16gb. Even with a reasonable number of plugins, you should be fine. Pro is good for 192 I think, but even that that, most machines you'll go for will max with 32gb, and I'm not sure you'll need that ever. It's a tough call. 16 should be more than enough. Worst case, you could use anytime upgrade to go to Pro if you needed to, but it will cost you a little bit later.

just got a xps 8700 need a new interface 

also a 256G Samsung pro 850 evo, SSD, yet to install..... Anyway what do you guys suggest for an interface?? pcie?? usb 2.0, or usb 3.0. I havent seen any USB 3,0's yet, but I have found a few usb 2.0 but cant imagine they could be very low latency???? the pcie card plus the external Hardware, gets expensive and real expensive quick!!!! Any ideas??? Im coming from a Dell Opiplex, with XP Pro running Delta 1010 and a 1010lt for 16 tracks. I might install some software and transfer the files since the search speed and processing speeds were crashing. also running pro tools 7.4.......Old school stuff but worked killer IMHO......but off to the next generation, any input rteally appreciated, and yes also use Reaper and Cubase, but mostly the pro tools Im most comfortable with. Please hit me with some feedback. Also thinking about putting an ssd in this Optiplex, that may fix an awful lot!!! as far as search speeds! Thanks! Brian