based on the suggestions from here I just ordered: an Asus A7N8X Deluxe, 2 Corsair CMX512-3500C2PT memory modules and an ATI 9800 Pro. I have a new XP 2100+ "B" to use until the new 400fsb Bartons show up later this month (supposedly!). I already have new a WD 80GB SE hd, new SB Audigy2 Platinum, an almost-new Antec TruPower 550 watt p/s. and Windows 2K (faster than XP Pro?). Am considering a pair of the new WD360GD 10,000 rpm Raptor's for a serial ATA RAID array (when they get them right for desktop use) in the future.

Now I need to know the best set-up to use for BIOS and configuration to MAX this thing out and see just how fast it will go. Any suggestions will be appreciated and possibly tried. Let me know folks, you're the best there is at this...