[mythtv-users] Yet another hardware list

[Joseph A. Caputo]

Well, I promised myself I'd never post a message like this, but I got a bonus 
this year and my wonderful wife insisted that I spend it only on myself.  It 
wasn't enough for that new PowerBook (or even an iBook), but it's enough to 
build a new Myth box.  So, I thought I'd do a sanity check on the following 
components:

Antec Overture case
AOpen AK79G-MAX mobo (onboard GF4MX)
Athlon XP 2600+/333FSB
512MB DDR Dual Channel Kingston RAM (PC 2700)
Seagate Barracuda V 120GB (EIDE interface)
AOpen combo drive DVD/CD-RW (ATAPI)

I'll be using my existing tuners (2 M179s + 1 WinTV 401 PCI)

My main questions are:

(1) Anybody have any experience with the above mobo?  Comments?  I've already 
listened to all of the warnings about nForce2, and I'm taking the plunge.  
I'm going to try FC1 to try and minimize nForce2 APIC problems.

(2) I've read some reviews that said the Antec Overture has a stupid internal 
air flow design & only one possible exhaust fan... the reviewer's Athlon XP 
2600+ ran pretty hot.  Any comments?  Possible other full ATX cases I should 
consider, or additional CPU cooling that will fit in the Overture?

(3) Kingston RAM okay?

(4) I'd really like a slot-loading combo (DVD/CD-RW) drive, but can't seem to 
find any at a reasonable price.  (A DVD+/-RW isn't currently in the budget.  
Also, any suggestions on what CD (combo) drivers are quietest?

TIA,

JAC