Let me first start out with two points:
1. I'm not a noob, I have a machine running a UNIX variant that I helped create. Its just that this machine has gotten a LITTLE old... technology changes over the years
2. I know you must get this 'What Distro should I use?' all the time...

But anyway, I have a high end PC that I would like to use linux on.
My PC is a clone that I built, has a P4 proccesor at 2.8 Ghz (overclocked to a little more than 3 Ghz) 512 MB of high-speed DDR memory, and a Radeon 9700 All-in-Wonder Pro as a video card.
I know there is no distro that will allow me to use ALL of my all-in-wonder Radeon outputs (Because it outputs to Composite, S-Video, Component, etc....) I'm using multiple operating systems already and I plan on keeping those for doing video input/output, but I still want a distrobution that will allow me to use its 3d-video card 'normal' properties, so that I can play my games and allow me to do 3d animation.

So what I'm asking is for a distrobution that runs on my high-end PC, supports my pretty new hardware, and I DON'T need ease-of-use or a pretty 'My other Computer is a Mac' interface.
What I want to do with linux is develop 3d animation tools for linux (I'm trying to switch over, then, if succesful, I'll get my fellow animators to switch)

Thank you for reading a lengthy compendium of a linux noob request.

I'd say:
Arch
VectorLinux
Gentoo
Or
Slackware

VectorLinux is like slackware, but optimized for faster arch. Gentoo optimizes as it goes, being completely setup for your system, but at a cost that comes with compiling everything, and really, it's everything.

Arch is a little better on package management, it is sometimes said:
"It's Slackware, meets Debian, with a touch of Gentoo."

Cool

Well, if you want to get the most performance, you should go for an i686 optimized distro, or you can use a source based distro like Gentoo and compile yourself.

Personally, I use Arch Linux, its meant for the experienced Linux users, and it provides great tools to help you administer.

Im not talking about GUI frontends, but Arch is compiled with /etc/profile.d/ support, it uses /etc/rc.conf (which makes admining a breeze), and things like that.

Also, it has Pacman. This is a combination of an APT-GET like system for Binaries, and a PORTS like system for source.


But the truth is, that if you are experienced, any distro will suit you just fine.


Also, you may have a little trouble with your Video Card, ATI seems to have a grudge with Linux.


EDIT:\\ BrainSync with MasterC.

Looks like I'm going with Arch or VectorLinux,
but another question:
If I were to get a new video card...
(I need one with rendering-optimized architecture),
would I get better hardware support for an Nvidia? a Matrox? etc?

*BTW while I was typing this reply, my OS froze!
Imagine that...

Personally I'd try out a few distributions - its unlikely you'll hit gold with the first one - If you get hold of say 3 or 4 your likely to quickly find one that suits your requirements.

For more information on the various distributions check out Distrowatch:

Click here to go to Distrowatch

Definitly Nvidia. They have the best Linux support for Video Cards ive seen. Their official linux drivers are always up to date (usually releases every other month). Ive had nothing but good luck with Nvidia cards.

Me I use Debian, You can get Bins or Source for Everthing (All 11000 Packages). So you can Easily Optimise for Whatever your running.

The Hardest Part is the Install, but as an old Unix hand you should have absolutley no problem with it.

The reason I say this is
1. I'm Biased (who isn't?)

2. The range of Stuff available from standard sources is absolutley huge. Theirs practically nothing you can't apt-get.

3. You choose the range of Stability/Security, You don't have to stick with the strict Stable/Testing/Unstable you can run mixed systems with bits from all of them if you wish.

4. Debian is the second most Popular Distro with Servers (Behind Redhat Who get the Ads and News) This is down to people like yourself picking Debian, Its the most flexible of them all, (well unless you use LFS)

Their just a few of the points I think.

I'd recommend DistroWatch as well. It is more aimed at the Newbie, but its the only one that covers most of them.

Nvidia Definatley has the edge on Linux, Much Better Drivers than ATI.

Any Linux distribution will support all of your requirements except maybe the Radeon 9700 All-in-Wonder Pro. I would use Google to find the latest Linux driver for your video card and then find a distribution that includes the driver you want.

Distributions are typically six months behind the cutting edge software. If the latest version of the Radeon 9700 All-in-Wonder Pro driver is not available in any distribution then install the latest version of Red Hat or SuSE and add the latest driver to the installed system.