[techtalk] Would like advice on building system

[Cathy James]

From: Amanda Owens [mailto:amowens at radonc.duke.edu]
>I've been very happy with two motherboards I've purchased recently. At 
>home we run 2 AMD K6-2 350s on FIC 503+ motherboards. This motherboard is 
>*very* nice for AMD chips, and it's Y2K compliant. I'm also running the 
>same chip on a Tyan board at work - I can't remember the exact model. But 
>both motherboards ran around $79-$89 when we purchased them (all within 
>the last 6-8 months). 

	Does the FIC 503+ support chips as late as the K6-3 450?
I have real trouble keeping the compatibility straight; it seems as
though the sockets change every other day.  Frankly, I think the
notion of upgrading the processor while keeping the same motherboard
has always been a myth; by the time speeds have increased and prices
fallen to the point where it's worth upgrading, you need a new
motherboard. :-(

	Has anyone had any problems with the Voodoo3 AGP on Linux?

	Are inexpensive (< $150) CD-ROM writers available?

	I'd like to start ordering parts this week so as to beat
the Christmas rush.  Any recommendations on mail-order parts suppliers
in the US would be appreciated.  I'm more interested in reputable
vendors than the absolute lowest price.

	--Cathy

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