Here's an update on my progress for all those interested...
Gear: Duron 1.8 (multi-locked with no L2 mod, AMD is cracking down!), NF7-S rev 2.0 with latest BIOS(23), two 256mb Winbond Ch-6 DDR400 modules from BufTech, 2500rpm cpufan, copperbase aluminum heatsink, arctic silver ceramique paste...