Hello all, I am newb to linux, and computer building. I helped build my current system, but have noticed that it is pretty much maxed out, so I figured, hell, time for a change. The problem is that I do not know about the compatibility of various hardware. I am hoping to only spend about $500 on my system. I am, unless somebody here knows of better, going to order:
MSI K7T Turbo 2 MS-6330 v5.0, KT133A chipset, Socket A,Support AMD Athlon XP,Audio, ATX with AMD Athlon TBird 1.1GHz 200FSB Socket A with fan and heatsink. I have found this for roughly $85. Well, my issue is with video and sound cards. Does anyone know where of any cards that have absolutely no problems and are 100% recognized by Mandrake 9.1? Thanks in advance...PS If anyone has any suggestions for my computer project, be more than welcome to offer advice...

Also what CD Burners & DVD Players have absolutely no problems with linux...

See the Mandrake Hardware Compatability List or the Linux Hardware Compatibility HOWTO

# Mandrake links
Mandrake home page
Mandrake Users website
Easy urpmi config for Mandrake
urpmi mini-HOWTO
Easy software management: Red Carpet
Maximum RPM
rpmfind
You didn't install the developmental packages? As root, command:
urpmi gcc
An Introduction to the Midnight Commander. You can install it by commanding:
urpmi mc
Midnight Commander home page

I have an

Ensoniq Chip 128 PCI card - sound that is - es1371 module - it works almost out of the box - did with RH, now I use Debian (or the alsa snd-ens1371 - must compile it yourself, at least I did - dunno bout Mandy but I don't think Mandy is far in front of the others)

Had a GeForce2MX/400 32 SDRAM - just broke - again have to make some compiling for the nvidia, but can use with poor results the nv (kernel) driver.

LG 16x10x40x CD-RW aka 'HL-DT-ST' 'CD-RW GCE-8160B' - had no problems with it - I mean none - also will have to do some work, not much, and is very documented. (This is for every CD-RW that works on the ide bus.)

Dunno bout mandy too much but the docs are generally distro independent.

Thanks...I will look into those cards you mentioned....

Video = NVIDIA no ATI Before I get flamed, yes you can get ATI to work. A newbie may not have any hair left though. Put that in the next rig you build.

CD R/W = Most any IDE drive should work. I did have trouble with a Samsung. Swapped for LG brand, no problem. Bought at Walmart.

Sound = Mine is built in, i810 I think. Works fine under Mandrake 9.1

If you are new to Linux, go Mandrake 9.1 or 9.2 if you can get it. After you get used to it a bit then switch to something harder.

Good luck.

Oh, another place to check your components:
http://www.linuxcompatible.org/compatibility.html