I'm sorry... But I can't comprehend downgrading for anything other than a life threatening situation... And even then, I'd have to think about it... /boggle

Thanks for the replies.

To brandor:
By downgrading to a 800mhz, I would be helping my father out.
My room mate has the non-ultra version of my card, so I would probably trade with him (for a price) and then give the system to my dad (install windows, of course).

I'm helping others out and essentially foring myself to move from being a gamer and start spending my time learning, etc.

I could put another 256mb stick in that system, no worries.
I'm trying to spend little to no money. If I do the video card swap then it will pay for the increased ram.

It may not be logical or make sense, but when it comes to comiling no PC is fast enough. I understand that. But like the point was made, it makes me think twice before compiling and gives me a break.
I run slackware and I use fluxbox, so I believe it will work fine.

The 800mhz system that I speak of is a VIA EPIA 800mhz system. It is by no means high performance, I bought the system components from cyberguys a few years ago.
http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/s...h=1pc08&child=

I will probably throw a CDRW/DVD-ROM in it, just so I can atleast burn CDs and read DVDs.
My friend is borrowing my 800mhz pc and I haven't gotten it back from them yet.
Before I commit to anything I'm going to give the mini ITX pc a run w/ linux and see how it works.

Hello,
I'm posting them from my 800Mhz system that I spoke about.

I find the graphics to be more limiting than processing speed.
The video card is onboard Trident Blade 3D graphics which shares 8mb of the system memory (256mb looking to upgrade).
I'm going to look and see if I can find a half height PCI Video card (only one pci slot, mini-itx mobo) and upgrade. Then I can disable to memory leeching graphics on the mobo.

Other than that and me not installing DHCPD at setup (couldn't get online) no other problems.
I'm about to move my mail over and setup everything, see how I like it.

Gonna take some simple progs that I've made so far and see how they compile.
Install time was a bit slower, but I don't had to do that once. Boot time is a bit slower as well, but I never shutdown my system, so not really an issue.
I'm going to give this pc a week or so, no huge difference so far.

Does anyone have a good resource on how to calculate what any combo of components would need, or is it a matter of checking the voltages once it's built?

in the interest of better late than never,the gooP-SUlator gives you a rough idea of power requirements.