[Tfug] hardware upgrade advice

[Harry McGregor]

On Fri, 24 Jan 2003, Charles Tompkins wrote:

> Hey Tfuggers,
>
> I'd welcome any commentary you might have on a hardware overhaul --
> specifically any issues you might be aware of with Linux (SuSe 7.3 now
> but will do a concurent upgrade to either RH/Suse 8)  .  I've googled
> around a bit and haven't found much to go on, especially in the
> motherboard area.
>
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> ********
>
> Mobo: Abit AT7-MAX2 KT400 [AthlonXP w/Audio, LAN, RAID, 200/266FSB,
> ATA/133, Serial ATA/150, AGP 8x, 4DDR DIMM, 5PCI, USB 2.0, IEEE 1394]

That is a VIA chipset, I would stay away from it if you could, go with
with either an SiS or an AMD chipset.  SiS 746 or 735 are both good.
Serial ATA probably won't be supported until 2.6, though it might get
patched in.

> CPU: AthlonXP 2100+ [1.73GHz] >

Good CPU, make sure you get the thoughbread version (lower heat,
.13micron).  I normally go with www.newegg.com

> Memory: Corsair CMX512-3200C2 512MB DDR400 PC3200 64Mx64 184 DIMM
> Cas2 w/Heat Spreader

Don't know if DDR 400 will help much, but DDR 333 with a 333FSB chip (some
of the 2700+ chips and all of the 2800+ are 333FSB) will help quite a bit.

> Video: Abit Siluro GF4 Ti4200-8x OTES AGP 8x 128MB DDR w/TV-out and DVI

Good video card if you don't mind using binary only drivers (nvidia),
otherwise, I would suggest a high end ATI

> ********
>
> Case: Antec Performance Plus Series Plus 1080AMG SoHo File Server Case
> w/430W power supply

Very over priced for the case, look at chieftec at www.newegg.com,
cheiftec is the OEM for antec.  I have the Antec case, and love it, but if
you can get the same case with a better price, go for it.

> Cable Modem: Linksys BEFCMU10 Etherfast Cable Modem w/USB and Ethernet
> Connection

Sounds alright, I think I am using that one myself.


			Harry
> ********
>
> Chaz
>
>
>
>
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Harry McGregor, CEO, Co-Founder
Hmcgregor@osef.org, (520) 661-7875 (CELL)
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