Upgrading My Machine: Round 2

jgbishop

Senior member
May 29, 2003
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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:
  1. 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.
  2. Does the Audigy 2 ZS have any conflicts with any hardware out there? Specifically the Asus P4P800 motherboard?
  3. 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.
  4. 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?
Any help that could be provided would be greatly appreciated. If I think of any other questions, I'll post them here in this thead. Thanks! :D
 

Bling

Member
May 11, 2004
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A few local "wedding" type DJs use a PC with the Audigy. I have heard only good.