Few more thoughts, hopefully helpful:
-I don't think that an NT install will be that bad for 2 reasons: you're using good components without lots of unusual variables, and you're starting from scratch, so no clogged registries, upgrade hassles, or software incompatibilities. Just remember to use something like drive image liberally, every time you update the system. Then, whenever it gets screwed up later (and it will), you'll just zip yourself back to the previous install.
-Why do you want the Aopen over the Abit? Aopen has a good rep, but the abit is in wider use by customizers, and may have better tech support resources on-line with news groups, b-boards, and assemblers (I've had good luck.) Not a minor factor.
-I ask this in part because I'm sympathetic about your wanting help this time through. If Minotaur has everything but the aopen and SM 750, perhaps he can handle it all for you for a good price if you do someting like the InWinn and the Abit. If the tesimonials on resellerratings.com are to be believed, he'll give you good and very prompt tech support. (He's also got a nice price on Dan's Malay celeron 300a, about as good as can be had anywhere.)
Just thinking aloud. Hope this helps.
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