I'm working on a long answer to Street Walker and the thread, but I can't keep up with all of you. :) I'll try to post it within an hour or so.
As to your points here:
-I would definitely go PCI for the network card, especially if my internet connection were through it. Several reasons for this--lower CPU overhead, busmastering ability, ability to use a fast rather than standard ethernet hookup at little or no extra charge, etc. I can elaborate on these later if needed.
-I agree that aside from the relatively minor price diff, the P2L97's only real advantage over the P2B is the extra PCI slot--but if one's using SCSI or network (or both) and doesn't mind having them on board (or prefers it), this reason goes away. My earlier posts discuss why one might prefer the BX chipset more generally.
-I'm working on a reply to Networm's post re CPU choices.
-With the BX chipset, RAM shouldn't be as fussy, especially if it's PC 100 certified. Two weeks ago, I'd agree it wasn't worth the price premium--now, I think it is (only $30 or so for a 128 meg stick!) I wouldn't go Corsair myself--extra price not compensated by extra reliability--but this is certainly debatable and I'm no expert on this.
-NT not only needs more ram (tho 64 is usually plenty for its _needs_), it _uses_ the extra Ram better. If one starts with 128 or more (a good idea at current RAM prices), NT becomes more compelling.
-I agree with the rest.
More soon, :)
Dave |
