Not too long ago I upgraded my machine (link to my system specs in my sig), but I would like to make some further upgrades. As an aside, I'm making this move because I'm having some issues with my Windows XP install, and I figure that it's time for an upgrade. Anyway, I have a few questions for all you experts out there:
- My current sound card is a Sound Blaster Live 5.1 Gamer, and this is one of my oldest pieces of hardware. I've read both good and bad things about the Audigy 2 ZS. What do people think of it here? I'll only use it for gaming purposes and listening to MP3's. I'd like nice quality, but I'm by no means a hardcore audiophile. I should also mention that I only have three speakers (left channel, right channel and subwoofer), so I won't be making use of the surround sound stuff just yet.
- Does the Audigy 2 ZS have any conflicts with any hardware out there? Specifically the Asus P4P800 motherboard?
- My Radeon 9700 Pro is having some boot issues, and I think it's related to my motherboard (Asus P4P800). There is a note in my motherboard's manual that states that the model number on the 9700 Pro should be XXXXXXX-30 or later, but mine is a XXXXXX-00. Does the Radeon 9800 Pro have any compatibility issues with the P4P800? I'm looking at stepping up one notch to that family.
- What monitors (21 or 22 inches) are recommended here? The other old piece of hardware I have is my ViewSonic A90. It can run 1600x1200, but only at 60Hz. I'd like to run 1600x1200 as my normal resolution (I love having screen space), but I need greater than 60Hz refresh rate. Any suggestions?
