HTPC built...what's next?

[notionless]

Hello,

I'm about to build a new HD HTPC/gaming rig. Once it's built, what should I do next. I thought I'd use the Ultimate Boot CD to run Memtest and maybe a CPU stress program. And something to test the hard drive (UBCD includes various apps). Is there a better alternative? What are best practices to ensure my new hardware is up to snuff?

Once that's done, I'll need to install Vista (32-bit Business edition). Any guide recommendations to optimize a Vista install for HTPC/gaming?

Then what? Or any suggestions on the above?

Thanks!


For reference my hardware includes:

nMEDIAPC Black Aluminum / Steel HTPC 2000B ATX Media Center / HTPC Case
nMEDIAPC PRO-LCD Media Center Programmable LCD
SeaSonic S12 Energy Plus SS-550HT 550W
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
Scythe SCMNJ-1000 80mm Sleeve "NINJA MINI" CPU Cooler
A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
ASUS EAH4850 TOP/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 4850
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
LG GGC-H20LK Black LG Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner SATA
Microsoft Windows Vista Business SP1 32-bit

 

[DSF]

Why 32-bit if you bought 4GB of RAM?

 

[Slugbait]

A bag of dirt from Home Depot costs more than 4G of memory AR, so I'm less concerned about the RAM than the OS...why Business Edition for an HTPC? MCE is actually quite nice, although if your options for recording from your provider is null after the digital switch, then I can understand using any version.

 

[notionless]

Originally posted by: DSF
Why 32-bit if you bought 4GB of RAM?

yeah, that's a drawback. But, I felt the added complexity of getting 64-bit to work reliably wasn't worth it. Maybe I'm wrong, but it's done. Anyway 3GB is better than 2GB.

Originally posted by: Slugbait
A bag of dirt from Home Depot costs more than 4G of memory AR, so I'm less concerned about the RAM than the OS...why Business Edition for an HTPC? MCE is actually quite nice, although if your options for recording from your provider is null after the digital switch, then I can understand using any version.

I'll be using SageTV and Meedio. I guess I decided MCE wasn't worth it when it first came out and you know how first impressions are. I love SageTV for its pvr functions. I like Meedio and its plugins for their functionality. Although, I'm not satisfied with either for music.

Bottom line is the Business addition was $50 cheaper and I didn't think MCE was worth $50.

Any thoughts on hardware testing or software configuration?

Thanks