I have decided to build a media PC for my tv room to record shows, play dvds, etc. For those of you who have done this

what vid card do you recommend?
Dual sata drives? How big?
Raid?
Windows media or linux distro?
How much Ram?


I have never build a media PC but have built many desktops. If anyone has any suggestions on what has worked for them please let me know.

 

Try doing a search on this topic. You will find some great info. Happy hunting.

 

1gb ram, 9800/x800 AIW, least 2-160gb, raid 0, windows media center, ati rf remote

 

Thank you!

 

Did you find my post?
You do not even need MS's Media Center software.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f98/using-your-pc-tivo-54095/

I am thrilled by this simple setup, and in the future will build a shuttle PC to go out in the living room so I can use a wirelss mouse and keyboard out there.

Also there is a link in the post further down by me for some media center type of software.
I will be testing it out later.

 

Thanks Corey, thats just what I need.

 

Before you start to buy everything do a cost comparison. I bought my Media Center PC for $749 including a 17" Flat panel LCD. It is a Gateway 815GM. I'm sure doing it yourself will be cheaper but check it out just in case.

 

Yeah I thought about that but I have a lot of the parts already laying around from previous computers...just need a bit more ram and a couple large SATA drives and I will be set.

 

yea, you don't 'need' media center, but the latest release and updates they have for it, definetely make it something worth considering, has a bunch of nice features, and is a pretty clean setup.

 

Here are some links to keep you interested. Some are old but informative non-the-less.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volum...ne-7-2002.html
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volum...two-8-2002.htm
http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/HTPC.html


Not sure how far you want to take this, but some things to keep in mind.
If you are making a HTPC only, consider sound output from the fan and powersupply. Pay the extra for a quiter powersupply and look into cooling lines for the CPU rather than a fan. If you are at an intense moment in a movie, the last thing you want to here is the humming from the fan of your CPU.

Don't forget to spec a soundcard as well. Have fun, the sky is the limit with HTPC.

 

there are actually power supplies that have no fans.. http://www.xyzcomputing.com/index.ph...1&limitstart=2
never used them, and their big as hell.. but can't beat the noise level.

 

 

Not knockin the fanless PSU but seem kinda risky, since when most cases today vent most of the air though the PSU. I'd resommend this one
PSU

also cpu cooler.
The best cpu cooler hands down. Though with this unit you do need to check the combadibility becuase of its size