Depending on how much you want to spend, you could look into liquid cooledness, thus eliminating the CPU fan. I also think there are liquid cooled power supplies, but I'm not sure about that. I use a koolance case.

But the best way to eliminate noise is to put it in an iso chamber/cabinet.

ljp

Well...I just found something out the other day that made me very excited(scary that I get all pumped up over this stuff...)
Western Digital has 40GB drives in the JB model..that's the OS drive of choice now!! Imagine that...8MB cache on the OS and Audio drive...fucking fast caching for some serious speed! It's finally getting there I tell you!
In regards to a CPU fan...use the stock fan and get your self the Arctic Silver AS3 thermal paste..this will greatly reduce the thermal resistance heat and keep your temps lower as well...no need for a seperate CPU heatsink and fan...plus the stock fan is actually very nice and quiet.
power...you can never have too much...if you can get a 400Watter go for it...350 is the minimum I recommend.
Wireless....don't go there...it will be more of a hassle than anything to be honest...
Opus

Opus,
I am awaiting the arriaval of my new "Silence Case" for my DAW. It should arrive sometime around the 25th of Jan. I want to conduct some tests with it before I report to RO readers on its performance. Could you please tell me how to check my PC s CPU temprature. I want to do a before and after. In case you don't remenber it's a Dual 1800+ Anthlon, on an ASUS A7M266-D MOBO. I'm running XP Pro OS. Thanks Fats

Also, you don't need to spend the x2 price of Plextor. Philips PCRW4012 at BestBuy for $70.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Since someone brought up the cdrw drive thang I started researching other options over at http://www.cdrlabs.com and have only wound up getting more confused.

The philips PCRW4012 got high ratings except for it's compatibilty with media. The other cheap stuff (TDK, Lite On)usually had the downside of being particularly loud according to the reviews. Any thoughts out there on cheaper alternatives to the Plextor?

Oh yeah...I did forget to mention the use of another CDROM...you don't need it nor do you really want it...always leave the secondary controller for audio drives only..leave the bandwidth just for that...not that it's going to reduce it but why take the chance so to speak...

Lite On...LG Electronics...Plextor...Phillips...all good models....it's up to you which one you want to use...also which ones come in black!!! lol

Fats...definitely let us know.
Opus

Here's a great price on an awesome case and power supply...
[[url=http://[/URL]="http://direct.mwave…"]Antec[/]="http://direct.mwave…"]Antec[/]
As far as your keyboard and mouse, I highly recommend the Microsoft Office Keyboard and Microsoft Trackball Optical. The progammable buttons on the keyboard are indispensable to me, and the trackball allows for much better speed with accuracy than a mouse.
The Lite-On 48x24x48 CDRW at Newegg is $57.99 with free shipping. That's the BLACK model, of course! ;)

Fats...definitely let us know. Opus

Thanks, I will! However I don't see an answer to my question .... he he he

Could you please tell me how to check my PC s CPU temprature. I want to do a before and after. In case you don't remenber it's a Dual 1800+ Anthlon, on an ASUS A7M266-D MOBO. I'm running XP Pro OS.

Thanks Fats

Thanks for the tip SOS. Unfortunately, that comes with the smart PSU instead of the True PSU which is supposedly quieter according to what I've read here. I will check out the Lite On burner and the keyboard/mouse combo though.

Speaking of keyboards, Do I want to avoid the Microsoft multimedia keyboard? I thought I saw somewhere not to go for keyboards that have all those extra buttons on the top for internet etc. I've used a track ball before but they definately take some getting used to. I'll have to ponder on that one for a moment.

And yes Opus, I too am trying to get everything in black. I'm even buying my monitor from newegg cuz no one in my town even sells black monitors.

Well, hopefully I'll be placing my order within the next couple of days. Thanks again for the advice!

kobuk

SOS, that's the case I have. I like the way the hard disk cages pop in and out with a flip of a lever. I also like the easy access latch on the side panel. And it's really cool to look at.

I also like my black yamaha cdrw with the blue lights. :cool:

I recommended the same motherboard cpu combo to a guy I work with and he says it boots up to XP in less that 30 seconds.

Cheers :c:

Unfortunately, that comes with the smart PSU instead of the True PSU which is supposedly quieter according to what I've read here

Okidoki ... here ya go ...
[[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.newegg.c…"]Antec[/]="http://www.newegg.c…"]Antec[/]

Do I want to avoid the Microsoft multimedia keyboard? I thought I saw somewhere not to go for keyboards that have all those extra buttons on the top for internet etc.

If so, I must have missed that memo ... THANK GOD! I haven't seen anyone here say anything like that, but of course I could have missed it. Anyway, if they did, I'd have to strongly disagree with them. The only reason that I know of that they would suggest such a thing is that they don't want the miniscule keyboard program running. I use my MS Office Kbd on my G4, and I wouldn't want any other kbd. The programmable buttons are a major timesaver, and the kbd has a beautiful solid feel to it.

I've used a track ball before but they definately take some getting used to.

Well, within ten minutes of getting my first trackball, a Logitech Trackman Marble, I didn't know how I ever did without it. The MS Trackball Optical, as well as my Logitech, both have the ball that you move with your thumb. The ones with the ball on the top suck. I prefer the MS Trackball Optical because it has two extra programmable buttons, which equates to more time savings. OPUS uses the Logitech Trackman Marble too, and he loves it. Don't be afraid of any "muscle memory learning curve", because there really isn't one. Everyone that I've turned-on to these trackballs LOVES them!

SOS,

you sold me on the track ball. I was thinking of the type with the huge eight ball on the top. Thanks for the tip. The case you gave the link for is actually what I'm planning to buy. It's pretty similar to the first one you suggested.

Whew!, I think I'm finally ready to order this dang stuff already.

kobuk

That case does look pretty cool!
Doesn't do it for me though since there is no see through side :p ha ha ha ha ha!
Indeed...track balls are awesome! Especially the Logitech Track Marble...you can work so much more efficiently that way...the newer ones out there are actually pretty nice...they're a little slimmer than the older style ones but very comfortable none the less.
The extra buttons on the multimedia keyboards are very cool...haven't gotten one myself but I'm sure I'll jump on the bandwagon soon enough.
Opus