Fred, a few comments:
-The VIA/ALI chipset is, IMHO, not as stable or functional as the VIA/MVP3
chipset.  I have had excellent success with the FIC/VA503+ (or ATX version),
which has 1MB (1024k) cache (larger cache handles large RAM better).
-RAM: 128MB DIMM is your best buy right now (under $100).  Get the PC-100
stuff, as it is only a few bucks extra.  Saves an extra slot for that 128MB
you want to put in later so you can comfortably dedicate 32MB RAM to
textures for 3D shooters (did I say that?)
-CPU: AMD K6-2/450 is only about $30 more than the 400, but the 400 is the
best bang-for-buck (just overclock it and you'll get 450 performance)
-make sure you get a cooling fan/heat sink, and add thermal compound between
sink and CPU for best results (couple of bucks at Radio Shack).
-get an EIDE CDROM, not IDE.  32x and 40x are all about the same for most
current apps.
-see recent postings on software (Winmodem) vs. hardware.  I recommend a
good hardware modem, but the Motorola modems, for example, work fine on the
FIC mobo.
-Plan on Windows98 for best results with the latest VIA chipsets.
-To save a few bucks without sacrificing much performance, you can go with a
Riva 128ZX  (8MB AGP 2x) video card.  If you run graphics-intensive apps.
(such as CAD or 3D games), go for a Diamond Viper card (or similar)...16MB
Viper 550/Riva TnT is a good one for about $100.
-Get a good, solid case, 250W power supply if you can find it or have the
choice.  Even if you gut the system later, a good case will last 10+ years
(get ATX form factor, or dual form factor, if possible).
-If you're picky on sound quality, do some research on the sound card.
Output noise (SNR), software, etc. are not all created equal with sound
cards.
-8.4GB is best buy hard drive right now.  Many motherboards still don't
support over 8.4GB (why?!), so check that out before going with anything
larger than 8.4 GB.
-Don't value the bundled software too much...It has a value of ZERO if you
wouldn't have to go out and buy it yourself anyway.  Check the 'net...you
can get used or new software for much less than the "Over $1,000 of software
included" value in many advertisements.  A program you don't need, want, or
use is worth what?
Martin Kurr
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> From:         Fred Bullock[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Subject:      Re: [PCBUILD] PCBUILD Digest - 29 Jun 1999 to 30 Jun 1999
> >>> Are the features on the following p/c the latest and greatest?
> >>> If not how antiquated are they?  Thanks for Feedback
> >>> >VIA /ALI Chipset Mainboard w/AGP
> >>> > 512K Pipelined Burst Cache
> >>> > 64MB PC-100 SDRAM
> >>> > 8.4GB Ultra DMA IDE HD
> >>> > ATI RAGE II 8M AGP SVGA
> >>> > 40X CD-ROM
> >>> > Sound Card, 3D Wavetable
> >>> > 3D Powered Stereo Speakers
> >>> > 56K V.90 Fax Modem, Internet Ready
> >>> > 17" .27 SVGA Digital Monitor, 1280x1024 MPRII
> >>> > 1.44MB Floppy Drive
> >>> >  High Speed I/O Port 2S 1P 1G 2USB
> >>> >  104-Key Keyboard w/Hand Rest
> >>> >  ATX Tower Case
> >>> >  PS/2 Internet Net Mouse
> >>> >  MS Windows 98 Pre-installed w/ CD
> >>> >  Corel WordPerfect Office 2000: WordPerfect 9,
> >>> >  Quattro Pro 9, Presentations 9, Central 9, Trellix 2
> >>> >  AMD K6-2 400

                         PCBUILD's List Owner's:
                      Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]>
                       Drew Dunn<[log in to unmask]>