How Does This Look For A New HTPC?

[LiquidFlame]

How does this setup sound for an HTPC?

MB: GIGABYTE GA-MA69GM-S2H http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128056&Tpk=GIGABYTE+GA-MA69GM-S2H
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ ADA4200CUBOX http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103747&Tpk=ADA4200CUBOX
Memory: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB TWIN2X2048-6400C5DHX http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145175
GPU: VisionTek ATI Radeon HD2400 Pro OverClocked Edition http://www.visiontek.com/products/cards/retail/2400PRO_PCIe_OC.html
Sound Card: Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Platinum **Left over from old computer
Tuner: Hauppauge 1600 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116009
Hard Drive: 300GB Western Digital IDE **Left over from old computer
DVD Drive: Just a standard DVD drive **Left over from old computer
PSU: Ultra X-Connect 500W ATX PSU **Left over from old computer
OS: Windows XP Pro

Later on I might get a LG DVD Burner & Blu-ray/HD Reader GGC-H20L: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136133&Tpk=LG+GGC-H20L

Note this HTPC will only be used for watching movies and TV, I will not be playing games on it. Thanks for the advice in advanced.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Seems like it should be a decent system for what you want it to do.

As to whether you really want the ATi card instead of an nVidia card, you may want to read through this thread over at AVS:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=872538

ime, while both brands can be problematic, the ATi cards are more problematic in an HTPC capacity then the nVidia cards.

Also, you may want to pick up a copy of Windows XP MCE instead of using XP Pro unless you already have plans to use a 3rd party media center application.

 

[Slick5150]

That motherboard already has a pretty good GPU built onto it (including an HDMI port), so adding on HD2400 card seems like a waste to me. It also has an optical audio out port built in so you really don't need the Audigy either if you're not gaming on it.

I built a HTPC based on that motherboard a couple of months ago, and it works great.

 

[Czar]

my htpc has only a built in ati 1200 something card with hdmi, I see no point getting something else, plays hidefh movies just fine

hdmi also has the extra bonus of sending the sound with it as well, fewer cables, less of a bother

also, go with a faster cpu if you like, not much extra money, but get a 65w one or lower, and get a massive heatsink

 

[Tiamat]

my opinion, too noisy. For HTPC use, noise output is a very important design variable to work around -- it didnt seem to me that you gave much thought to this parameter.

For me, noise output is of very high concern (my computer doesn't exceed 24dB/1m.) If its not of concern to you, then don't worry bout my post

 

[scootermaster]

Originally posted by: Tiamat
my opinion, too noisy. For HTPC use, noise output is a very important design variable to work around -- it didnt seem to me that you gave much thought to this parameter.

For me, noise output is of very high concern (my computer doesn't exceed 24dB/1m.) If its not of concern to you, then don't worry bout my post

If you're not worrying about noise, you're not paying attention. What's the use of getting a nice HD vid card, a HD-DVD, BluRay player, and having 1080p output to a hi-def screen and then having something that sounds like a jet engine sitting next to you.

Also, consider a nice HTPC case.

 

[Quasmo]

Get the nVidia 8600, I have an ATI card in my current htpc, and had to buy a $70 DVI detector so I didnt have to turn my computer off and on every time I wanteds to use it. just go DVI->HDMI. Also as others have said that mobo is overkill.

 

[TheDrake]

If you are going the High def route then I would seriously suggest a MUCH bigger Hard Drive than 300GB. I have 2TB and its close to being full already. When you are talking movies, music, HD, and DVR for TV then you will see your space getting sucked up Very quickly!

 

[Binky]

My thoughts:

Get a 2600pro or an 8600GT instead of the 2400. There are quality differences in the video output. Make sure to get one with an HDMI converter included or you may have issues later.

Sound Blaster is not needed and may add uneccesary problems. Ditch it. Your onboard sound will be better for an HTPC.

If you plan to use Windows Media Center, Vista is MUCH nicer in my opinion, but MCE2005 is MUCH more stable. I have a love/hate relationship with Vista. It looks pretty, but crashes a whole lot more than ME2005 ever did. My vote is still for Vista.

Your hard disk and power supply are likely to be too noisy. Watch for deals to upgrade.

Don't forget to save ~$100 for PowerDVD, and another $80 for AnyDVD to play HD DVD/Blu-Ray material on a non-HDCP system (if required).

 

[Eos]

Might want to consider the 6000+ processor if you want to playback anything hi def.

I have the 5200+ X2 and I still hit 40% processor usage with some 720p content.