is it possible?

There is no reason I am aware of that a modem and a CD-Writer should interfere with each others operation. Where you tend to get conflicts is when the devices are similar (serial mouse and modem - both serial devices). If you have each device configured properly, they should work together just fine.

Additionally, you can run Win2k on the system (system requirements for 2k are P-133 and 64mb ram, 1gb HD space). I would highlyu recommend you up the RAM to at least 128 mb though...it's cheap and will significantly improve your performance. As far as using the devices, you would need to check the HCL (or verify there are Win2k drivers for your devices). The CD-Writer will almost certainly be supported...the modem is only "probable". You mayeven be able to use a generic modem driver, but use the specific one if available.

Good luck...hope this helps!

I thought of 2 BIG problems for both systems:

RAM
CPU speed

Most CD-RW software is going to require both 128MB or more RAM (256MB is better)

And, most packages require a CPU speed of at least 350MHz.

So, unless you are using older CD-RWdrives, and older versions of the CD buring software, you will not be able to burn CDs with either system.

As to the modem, it is a matter of avialable slots, and drivers.

A PCI USB card should work on the Asus motherboard, but make sure that it does not require a faster CPU.
You may be limited to USB 1.

The Asus SP97-V is suppossed to have 2 onboard USB ports per the manual.
You just need the correct connector to interface to the onboard header.

Another issue with the Compaq is that some use non-standard power and IDE cables. So you may not be able to use the HP drive.
Just check that the power cable is a standard 4 pin, and the IDE cable is a standard 40 pin.

Keep in mind that a CD-RW drive needs more power than a standard IDE CD drive.
So, you may need a larger power supply.
200 Watts would be marginal at best.
I would prefer to have at least 250 Watts, if not 300 Watts.

Chas