Does it slow down XP at all, CR? Not sure if I wanna install a new GUI. I really like the "look and feel" of XP the way it is.
If you've got 1gb+ memory, you're okay. It's a GUI which is easily turned on/off, as you will.
I'm running a RAID 0+1 DISPLAY, with 4 250gb Sata HDs, and 3gb memory, so I have no problems, whatsoever. It's fun to skin the OS with all kinds of new goodies.