HTPC Specs

[reicherb]

Here is what I'm thinking about purchasing. I've used an AIW Radeon to record shows on my PC but now I'm ready to make a full blown HTPC. This machine will also be used as a NAS to backup data files. Please let me know what you think.

Thanks.

case SILVERSTONE SST-LC17-B $124.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811163055

power supply SILVERSTONE SST-ST365 ATX 360W $37.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817163110

motherboard ASUS A8R-MVP Socket 939 ATI Radeon XPRESS 200 CrossFire ATX $86.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131584

cpu AMD Opteron 144 Venus 1.8GHz 1MB L2 Cache Socket 939 $77.00 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103600

cpu fan Retail CPU Fan

memory Kingston 1GB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) $115.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820134135

video ATI 100-714600 Radeon X1300 256MB 128-bit VIVO PCI Exp x16 AIW $119.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102661

tv tuner ATI 100-703260 PCI Interface TV Wonder 200 TV Tuner $52.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16815294002

sound Integrated 8 channel

lan Integrated 10/100/1000

raid controller Integrated RAID 0/1/0+1/5 JBOD

OS hard drive WD Caviar WD800BB 80GB 7200 RPM 2MB IDE Ultra ATA100 $41.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144102

storage hard drives (3) Seagate Barracuda ST3250620AS 250GB 7200 16MB SATA 3.0 $224.97 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144417

dvd-rw LITE-ON SHM-165H6S $35.25 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827106015

recording software Beyond TV 4 (standalone) + FREE Firefly PC Remote $69.99 http://www.snapstream.com/products/beyondtv/buynow.asp

remote control Firefly PC Remote

OS Windows XP Pro

keyboard and mouse Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 BV3-00003 Black 102 $32.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823109144

Newegg Shipping $50.00
SnapStream Shipping $0.00
Total Cost $1,071.13

 

[PurdueRy]

Why are you getting a IDE OS drive with only 2 MB of cache?

 

[Slammy1]

One of the keys of HTPC is what you want to do with it (specifically). I mean, H.264 playback is a lot different than an SD PVR machine and AVIVO playback is a lot different than an upscaling player. Also, if you want a gaming machine as well, display, placement (goes to sound reduction), and a lot of other factors determine optimal builds. In general, I'd avoid sticking with ATI as a solution (the card you list isn't HDCP compliant, which probably is a concern for longevity). I'd go for a 7600GT and PVR-350, maybe use an ATI HDTV wonder should you want to display OTA HD signals. Whay have an AIW for your video and a second tuner card? I like having a faster primary drive for recording and backing up the recordings to a larger secondary drive, perhaps just PP. Are you planning on a front end of some sort? I'd recommend TheaterTek.

 

[reicherb]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Why are you getting a IDE OS drive with only 2 MB of cache?

I didn't realize it was only 2MB. I'll have to change that

Originally posted by: Slammy1
One of the keys of HTPC is what you want to do with it (specifically). I mean, H.264 playback is a lot different than an SD PVR machine and AVIVO playback is a lot different than an upscaling player. Also, if you want a gaming machine as well, display, placement (goes to sound reduction), and a lot of other factors determine optimal builds. In general, I'd avoid sticking with ATI as a solution (the card you list isn't HDCP compliant, which probably is a concern for longevity). I'd go for a 7600GT and PVR-350, maybe use an ATI HDTV wonder should you want to display OTA HD signals. Whay have an AIW for your video and a second tuner card? I like having a faster primary drive for recording and backing up the recordings to a larger secondary drive, perhaps just PP. Are you planning on a front end of some sort? I'd recommend TheaterTek.

I'm connecting to a Sony WEGA do HD is not an option right now. I won't be playing games either. I'm planning on Beyond TV for the front end.

 

[Slammy1]

There are a number of WEGAs, what sort of input are you looking at? Yeah, Beyond TV is a good program for supporting a number of differing formats, I know Maximum PC recommended it but I don't have specific experience. I'm kinda guessing you're familiar with that article given some of your choices like for the case. Another option, given the number of bays, would be a Thermaltake Bach (also mentioned in the article). I know the PSU isn't bad, but I'd look into something a little more specific to HT use. I'm afraid to suggest anything but Seasonic, there are much better versed people than me here on the subject. Also, I'm sure you're familiar with the site, but I'd recommend research here:
AVS

 

[reicherb]

Originally posted by: Slammy1
There are a number of WEGAs, what sort of input are you looking at? Yeah, Beyond TV is a good program for supporting a number of differing formats, I know Maximum PC recommended it but I don't have specific experience. I'm kinda guessing you're familiar with that article given some of your choices like for the case. Another option, given the number of bays, would be a Thermaltake Bach (also mentioned in the article). I know the PSU isn't bad, but I'd look into something a little more specific to HT use. I'm afraid to suggest anything but Seasonic, there are much better versed people than me here on the subject. Also, I'm sure you're familiar with the site, but I'd recommend research here:
AVS

I'll be using the S-video input. I have no experiecne with Beyond TV but from what I've read it's good. I have not read the Maximum PC article but will try to find it. I'll also do some more research on the PSU.

Thanks.