Build music/dvd/gaming PC (~HTPC) using some old parts

[nico765765765]

Hello all,

What i'll use it for: listen to a large collection of MP3s, watch divx/dvds, watch TV, play games (not high end, PES 4, half life 2).

What i already have: a mainboard (asus a7v8x), a proc (athlon 1800), 2 HDs (80go + 120go), a graphic card (TI 4200), dvd burner

What i am looking for: a htpc case (i d like a volume knob and some front-mounted buttons, max price with PSU ~$200), a TV card, a gamepad, a remote, and a monitor.

my current ideas/comments:

• The case: I liked the Antec Fusion but it s only supporting mini-ATX mainboard so not good, but it has the good price and design

• a silent PSU: something like ~300W should be plenty, something quiet would be nice

• TV card: i have not looked into that yet, I dont expect to be too difficult

• Gamepad: i found a cheap wireless that looks good enough: the SAITEK P2900 Wireless Gamepad

• Remote: I already have an ATI Remote Wonder, works well, but if you have some other ideas

• Monitor: This will be my main screen/tv/... I am thinking about a 19/20' TFT, some are around $300.

Ideally it would work in Linux (opensuse), (with win XP for games).

Thanks,

Nicolas

 

[nico765765765]

any advices concerning the case?

 

[Zolty]

I am probably getting a fusion for my htpc case, see my sig for more info.

 

[nico765765765]

My point was that i dont have a miniAtx board, and i dont really want to buy one. So i am looking for something similar (in design) to the Antec case.

 

[GZeus]

For a case Silverstone has several nice looking (fit in the livingroom) cases for ATX boards - try pcalchemy.com - that run about $100. Many of those are also available at Frys if you have one nearby.

The same site has lots of quiet PSUs, TV cards and a bunch of other stuff with user reviews - check out the 'SageTV' combo deals if you are looking for that and a TV card.

They are a good HTPC resource with excellent 'reseller ratings'.

Good Luck!