1st Media Centre PC Build...

[crazylegs]

Hi all,

I really want to build a small form factor (micro ATX) media centre PC but am a little lost when it comes to deciding which components to use.

I would like to use it to record TV, play DVDs and listen to music etc.

1) Which socket / CPU...?
2) Which Mboard...?
3) VGA card...?
4) Seperate TV card...? (or VGA combo?)
5) Which Case...?

I am based in the UK and would like to do this on quite a tight budget...!

All suggestions appreciated!!!

Thanks all 🙂

 

[crazylegs]

ok know i am asking a lot...

BUT i really want tobuild this soon... but dont know where to start 🙁

thanks again

 

[jc9970]

Just finished building one for my co-worker. Check This place out.

We went with this Tv Tuner

This Case

Athlon 64 3500+
DFI Ultra-D
1GB OCZ
NEC 3550
6600GT

 

[rbV5]

On a tight budget, take a look at ATI and Nvidia IGP solutions, both have chipsets with decent intergrated DX9 hardware level graphics.

You'll want a seperate hardware encoder TV card, Hauppage 150, or a Theater 550 pro card are good choices and there a number of other decent cards available now as well.

For MCE, good to thegreenbutton.com for an overload of info and excellent forum.

 

[crazylegs]

Thanks guys... keep the ideas flowing !!!

PS. am in the UK... so UK based sites appreciated ! think postage from US might be a killer !!! 🙁

 

[jc9970]

Also if you want to save some $ look into MythTV Its a great alternative to MCE, and its Open source. 🙂

 

[crazylegs]

nice 1 will have a look....

but no.1 priority is a sweet looking case (incl. PSU) that doesn't cost the world.....

also whats every1's thoughts about different micro ATX m'board performance - finding this hard to research. Probably going to go for the chapest and nastiest 1 i can find anyway...!!!

 

[pkme2]

Check the New PCs? link below.

 

[crazylegs]

thanx but i dont think that link is entirely appropriate to building a HTPC / media centre...