This will be a custom built PC dedicated to recording. As was the last one, but for whatever reason it decided to take a crap this summer. So you are suggesting an onboard (pci) soundcard? Which ones are good? I know that latency can be an issue, but doesnt firewire do a good job with that as well? As far as noise goes you would be hard pressed to tell me if the last computer I built was on or off if you couldnt see the lights. Thanx for the ideas, keep em coming.