- You could do better than the Sony burner: too much price not enough performace. You'd be much better off with something like the LiteOn 52x32x52 or the ASUS 52x32x52
- As for the DVD burner... assuming you got one of the above burners, you've got yourself a very solid 2-sheep burner so just grab either a Pioneer107 or if you want DL support, the LiteOn SOHW-832S is a nice one (
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...106-946&depa=1)
- For the CPU, you're prolly best off staying away from the Prescott, more cost and hassle than performance gains.
- As for the mobo there's no competeition between those two since they arent using the same chipset, the ABIT is using the Canterwood while the ASUS is back with the SpringdaleG (which isnt as good). Also note that the IC7 Max3 has an OTES system which works (ideally) if the case supports it. If you dont want/need the OTES, the IC7 Max2 is the same board just without the OTES
- You might consider either more memory or faster memory
- Nice call on the video card although I think if you dont intend to do gaming at all you should get something really cheap like a TNT2 which can prolly be had for like $15USD