Yet another build comment thread :-)

[mr.dearthian]

Getting ready to pull the trigger on a system upgrade. I will be doing everything from gaming, mp3 creation, limited video creation, and music recording.

I'm going to carry over the following from my current rig:
Soundblaster Audigy 2 ZS
1GB Kingston HyperX PC3200
TDK 52X CD-RW
Zalman 400 Watt PSU
Lian-Li PCB-2000
Samsung Syncmaster 930B LCD 19"
Logitech wireless keyboard
Logitech MX1000 wireless mouse

Here's what I'm going to throw into the mix (all from Newegg):
AMD-X2 4400+ Toledo $526
Asus A8N-SLI Premium $160
Zalman CNPS9500 cooler $79
Albatron 7800GT $359
2x200GB Seagate HDD's (ST3200822AS NewEgg Part #) $230
MAudio USB External Sound System $135
HP DVD740VI dual-layer DVD burner $87

I picked the A8N-SLI Premium because it has gotten some decent review and Asus is a fairly trustworth brand.

I picked the Zalman because it cools well even when throttled down.

Went with 2x200 HDD's because I plan on ripping my cd collection (it's pretty sizable since I've been buying CD's since 1986) and I also use Alcohol120 images to play certain games (ones that I DO own ).

I'm getting the MAudio USB External Sound System to add an SPDIF co-axial input to my machine for music recording without buying an Ass-Expensive-Super-Duper-Mega-Platinum Creative card. I also game, so going for an internal MAudio card is practical (gaming benches aren't as good as the card I already have). I do a lot of recording with my Tascam DAT recorder that has s/pdif Digita I/O, so having a this input is important.

Other than asking for opinions, I did want to know one thing:
Should I get WinXP 64 Bit? Is it worth going to from XP Pro 32?

Thanks,

Mr.Dearthian

 

[darkhorse]

maybe throw in another gig of ram to stay on the safe side.

 

[mr.dearthian]

I've debated doing that. There are a few other items I didn't list that I opted for instead of the extra gig of RAM (a KVM switch, some dual layer blank DVD's).

If I get another gig, I'll probably throw it in at a later date (in a month or so). Then again, I might say screw it an get it now (what's another $100 ).

Mr.Dearthian