MIke,

I don't think the issue is CPU.  A CPU, motherboard, and RAM is a fairly
straightforward setup.  I think that in 90-95% of the cases, THESE parts are
a simple set up.  Set the clock speed and multiplier jumpers and plug it in
and turn it on with no changes (in most cases) to any bios settings.

The problems crop up when you start adding cards to the system.  The mix of
different brands/models/types of video, modem, and sound cards is where the
real difficulties are.  I have found that the order in which cards are
"found" by windows can add to the complexity of the setup.

When I build a system, I install only the video card and windows.  Then I
shut down and add the modem and let windows find and install the drivers for
it (or use the modem's cd).  Then I shut down and add the sound, then I shut
down and add the NIC (if needed).  It takes a little more time, but I rarely
run into IRQ or other resource conflicts by doing it this way.

Jim Meagher
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----- Original Message -----
From: Mike Buraczewski <[log in to unmask]>

I know that this topic may fall under the category of personal preference,
but I have a general question for those of you that build/work on systems
regularily.

Have you found that the AMD systems are in general easier than / harder than
/ the same in difficulty to setup and get working properly.

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