Need help with configuration

[Zapple]

I am putting together my first system. Here are the components.
KT7A RAID
1 Ghz TBird
2 IBM 45 GB deskstars
512 MB RAM
G450 Dual Head 32MB
WIN TV PVR
Plextor 16/10/40 CDR/RW
Pioneer 115 DVD
Internal Zip
undecided about soundcard (either Audiophile 2496 or Hercules Game Theater[no I am not a gamer]).

NIC card to connect to a LINKSYS Cable Ethernet Router
Some sort of USB HB @ least 2.1 ver USB

I will be using system for general DT operations, Riping entire CD collection, burning, video capture and editing. I will hook up Computer to my home stereo and theater for music and DVD's.

My question is the process and procedure to install the components. Also I am using a Thermaltake Chrome Orb as my CPU fan. From what I am told I do not need the heatsink on top of the chip. Is that correct?

My way of doing this is as follows:
Install Mobo
Seat Chip Install thermaltake
Seat RAM
Intsall both HD's
Seat G450
then boot up to Install OS

After a successful first boot ( G-d willing) I then seat next PCI device, reboot... I repeat this process for each PCI card until eveything is installed successfully.

ANY COMMENTS ABOUT THIS PROCESS?
any seating order for PCI devices?

What is your opinion on partitioning my HD? I will obvioulsy be capturing and editing aside from the normal MS Office use and Abobe Illus and PS. The other purpose will be to rip my entire CD collection onto my harddrive. I will start out using the 1st 45gb, I guess I should partition it now that I think about it, lets say the first partition of 5 GB for OS and Applications. How should I partion the rest of the drive? Same Q for the 2nd drive or should I leave it unpartitioned? Where should I keep MP3? Seperate from video or that doesn't matter? Just keep it away from Program files. Partition in DOS or use a program like Partition Magic? and the final question of the day 2000 or 98se?

Thanks
ZAPPLE

 

[gnognugs]

Wow!
That's quite a question.
In general you're on the right track.
Just make sure to install all the latest drivers.
Especially the mobo resources drivers (VIA all-in-1 - v4.25 latest official).
Not sure on the video may have trouble in win2k???
I like both OS's. If all your hardware is supported, go for it.
Mostly, the PCI/IRQ thing will work automatically, and you don't need to worry about it, but if you have prollums, try disabling some devices like unused COM ports in BIOS. You may have to move a card. Watch for which PCI slot is shared by the AGP bus. Only some cards use IRQ's. Mostly, you shouldn't have to worry about this.
www.reactorcritical.com is a good source of the latest drivers for vid cards and mobos, and other stuff.
I have some small partitions for OS's and temp storage and swap files.
I have a couple large partitions for data. Like 6 total.
http://www.3dspotlight.com/ is a good site for tweaking all windows and BIOS settings.
Sweet system btw! 🙂
Good luck and have fun.