New parts for new PC (need help - little knowledge of hardware)

[soralx at cydem.org.ua]

> things I am confused about it the onboard sound. I don't want onboard
> sound. Or do I?

probably not

> If the motherboard from
> asus has onboard sound can I use a PCI sound card?

yes, you can always use both if you want (if the onboard one will work
in FreeBSD, of course)

> Is it best to use a PCI sound card or onboard?

PCI sound cards are generally better (they have higher sound quality
and amplification)

> Remember, I know pretty much nothing about hardware,

Sooner or later, you'll have to learn; now it's good time to start...

> cooling? I was thinking about buying the TrueBlue 480 Watt PSU
> 480 Watt ATX12V Illuminated from antec. Good idea?

I think that 480 Watts is really too much for U$400 machine

As for the system configuration, it's better for you to decide what you
want by your self. Maybe all you want is some Via Epia C3? I would
personally recommend Athlon XP or Pentium III [Tualatin] based system.

When selecting a mainboard, check (by chipset names) that the on-board
ethernet, sound and ATA controllers will work with FreeBSD.

17.11.2003; 19:07:05
[SorAlx]  http://cydem.org.ua/