Purchasing new system - couple questions

[rogwar]

I will be purchasing a new system in the next month, either kit or components. I have decided on the following...

Processor: AMD T-Bird 1.4 Ghz
Motherboard: ASUS A7M266
Memory: 256 Meg ECC & SPD compliant
Sound: Soundlaster Live
New case and power supply and plenty of cooling

I already have a good 17" monitor and Geoforce2 GTS card that will last me another year.

I have considered as well the ASUS A7V266 in place of the A7M266. The reviews are a bit confusing. The V266 has sound built in but I have heard some problems with IRQ sharing between the sound and video card in this configuration. Any experience with built-in sound?

I can do what I want now for about $420 - $450 on pricewatch.

What do you all think? Is this a pretty good combo?

Also, I was thinking of buying a new HD, any good programs out there to do a mirror image?

FYI, I am upgrading from a Pentium II 400Mhz. I am not sure how this is possible but I get 30 to 40 FPS right now at 1024x768 32bit with many graphic options going, in smoke drops to about 15fps. I am running Windows "memory clean" while playing and overclocking my graphics card somewhat.

Thanks for your help.

Rogue out

[ 11-02-2001: Message edited by: rogwar ]

[Raubvogel]

Looks like a nice setup. You don't necessarily need ECC RAM unless you plan on running it as a server. Norton Ghost will let you make a mirror of your HD. Make sure your new power supply is at least 300W. You should be able to run AH at 1280 or 1600 with that new setup  

I've got an Athlon 1.4ghz myself, but went with an Asus A7A266. I prefer the ALi chipset so I don't have to mess with 4-in-1 drivers. I was running a GF2 GTS until a few days ago and got about 40fps at 1600 res.

[qts]

You might want to consider an alternative sound card, based upon all the problems people have with the SB Live.

[Rendar]

Get a Giga-byte GA-7VTXH.  It has integrated LAN, support for AthlonXP, and extra ram slot.  Costs $107.

For the memory, get 512MB.  Will cost about $60.