[NTLUG:Discuss] Re: need hardware config recommendations

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> ASUS A7N8X-E Deluxe

I have this MB and really like it. Installed Mandrake 10.1 PP. I haven't
had time to explore the on-board sound though I heard KDE play
something on the headphones (that were sitting on the desk). I don't
recall any install errors for on-board NIC, USB, and firewire either. I
have not had time to try them out though.

> [SATA vs EIDE]

Back when I built the A7N8X-E Deluxe box, I felt the Linux SATA drivers
were not mature enough. They might be now (and might have been then).

> XFX Geforce FX5200 256MB DDR PCI Video Card

Lately I have been favoring GeForce. I have the FX5700. I don't recall
the particulars of why IMHO it's much better than the 5200. The 5700
has been very enjoyable. As with a lot of choices, it depends on what
you plan to do with the machine (what performance aspects are you
wanting out of it?).

>Is video through PCI always faster than AGP?

I'm puzzled by this question as AGP is much faster than PCI! In regards
to PCI Express, if your question is "can a PCI Express card be used in
a regular PCI slot?". I bet you can't. PCI in a PCI Express - maybe. I
haven't read up on PCI Express...
=TR=