Here's my new system - any opinions or advice?

[B727BFJ]

After a lot of considerations, I've decided to go for it. I'm purchasing all the new hardware within the next 2 weeks, here it goes:

EPoX 8k7a+ mobo
AMD 1.4
Swiftech MCX 370 HSF
Elsa gladiac 920 GeForce 3
2 sticks 256 mb ddr from Crucial
SBLive! sound card
IBM 40 gig 60GXP HD
Plextor 16x10x40x CD-R
Pioneer 16x 106S(slot) DVD ROM
all in a beautiful black Antec 1030b case!

I'm not positive but I think I'll go with win98se, does anyone know where I can get a cheap version of it?

This is my current list, with so many choices and opinions, this could change up until i give my credit card number! So, what do ya think? By the way this is my first build!!!! I'm still a lttlle nervous!

Thanks for the input,
Jamie

[awwall]

Looks like you will have a great system. Nice selection of components.

One question? Have you considered Win2K as your operating system?

aw

[B727BFJ]

yeah i have but i'm not real sure how stable it is compared to 98se, would that be the better route to go? BTW, this will be mostly for everyday stuff and quite a bit of gaming.

[daveleau]

Most new games are working well in 2000. 2000 is much more stable for everyday use and will give you MUCH better speed with that much RAM. That much ram is not wasted on 98SE, but it is not as benefitial as it is in 2000. Check your games and see if they will work. I think it will be the best option though.

Only thing I would say is that people are starting a small coup here in regards to sound with the SB cards. Alot of people are leaning away from them.

Here are some good links concerning that: http://www.sysopt.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/015659.html
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/015559.html

Good luck
Dave

[miXter]

Nice choices...Xcept fer the SoundBlaster Live card...SB and the VIA chipset don't get along well. I went for the Phillips card. Yeah it's a few more $$$, but when you're building a top end system, I don't want a weak link...do you?
BTW...I dual boot(W98/W2K) and games are doing fine in W2000. I'm nearly ready to make the total switch to W2K, but may just do the XP thing in a few weeks.

[This message has been edited by miXter (edited 09-02-2001).]

[eagle1]

I own a SB Live and my board has a Via chipset and I haven't got any problems but you should check the Hercules Game Theater! I have heard nice things about it!

BTW, great system and selection... love the case!

Enjoy!!!! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Porkey]

You might consider the TDK 16x10x40, it is essentially the same price as the Plextor, however it includes Nero 5 software which I believe is superior to that offered by Plextor. Either one a good choice though, enjoy your new machine, and keep us posted on how it works.

Regards:

Porkey (Dave)