I need a mediaserver mini-PC.

[Jeriko]

I'd like some help with my next project. I'm trying to scale down on the number of components I have by merging as much as possible into a mini-PC.

Ideally, I'd like to combine a DVD player, a VCR, and a receiver into one console. I know the last part of this is somewhat difficult, but using an Audigy 2 Platinum to process audio through sets of high-end PC speakers, while using an ATI All-In-Wonder to process video, ought to do just as well as any receiver.

The DVD and VCR will be eliminated by a Sony DRU510A - assuming I can take a cable TV feed and record to hard drive, then DVD (this is possible with an AIW, correct?).

If you see any holes in this plan, please tell me what I'm missing. To do this right, I really need a mini-PC with two 5 1/4 inch bays, one exposed 3 1/2 bay for a floppy, and one internal for a high-capacity hard drive. Ideally using the NForce2 chipset so I can put in a cheap overclockable Athlon.

Any suggestions?


-J

 

[jdogg707]

Sounds like you've got it together...I mean, the AIW will be great to take in Video and process cable TV ( I have one and love it) and the Audigy 2 will sound great in any situation with high end speakers. Have fun putting it together!

 

[Jhhnn]

Other than not receiving FM radio or playing vhs tapes, you're pretty much right on. Might want to check out some of the separate pci tuner cards that do FM, Capture, etc and also feature remote controls.... If that matters.

The only reason for two 5-1/4" bays is to do cd ripping. If that's not a big deal, then one of the shuttle cubes would work, although it might be noisier than you'd like...

In a conventional tower case, the Inwin v523's are nice. Black, with crisp lines that blend in to most stereo equip setups, and good ventilation prospects so they can use quiet fans. They'll also accept standard psu's...

The htpc boxes aren't really enthusiast grade, imho, not yet. They all have some critical drawback- low profile cards only, lousy ventilation, wimpy psu's, awkward, or something else....

 

[Jeriko]

^ Actually, the reason for the two 5 1/4 bays is so that I can mount a A/V input/output panel on the front for ease-of-access. I was going to use the Audigy 2 Platinum's until I realized it didn't have a video input (I figured it would have one that you could route around to your vid card for completeness, but it doesn't).

I really want to be able to easily plug in an X-Box or Playstation 2 without digging around the back.

Looks like I'm going to need to do a bit of dremelling to get an video input port on the front, unless I can find a box with that feature already installed. A front mounted component or S-Video input and a volume knob are necessities - whether standard or with a modified panel, I don't much care.

I was considering the MSI Mega, but the P4 and SIS chipset kill that as an option. I want something I can plop a cheap overclockable Athlon into, like the Shuttle w/nForce.

-J

 

[dm33186]

Case <- how about that case. Micro boards only but you can put in whatever powersupply you want and it takes full size cards. 2 5.25, 1.35 visable and 2 internal 3.5

edit: linked the case

 

[Jeriko]

^ That's a little big. I've kinda sold myself on the idea of being able to easily unplug it and bring it to the living room if I want to. I'm really trying to pack everything into as small a form factor as possible.

I suppose I could use the Shuttle and rig up a 3.5 inch panel for audio/video input, and just keep around a USB floppy for emergencies.

Only leaves the problem of an volume control knob and some sort of AM/FM tuner.

-J

 

[DaveSimmons]

MSI's new booksize P4 (see newegg barebones) iis supposed to be quiet. Not sure if in AIW will fit in it though.

 

[Jhhnn]

Yeh, you might want to consider a separate tv/fm pci card and the vidcard of your choice- none of the combo cards have FM, afaik, and the pci cards are generally tv/fm, not fm by itself... Not that I'm expert on this stuff, but Hauppage offers a wide variety, as does Avermedia and some others, I'm sure....

And that rules out the shuttle w/ soundblaster option, another case of "you can't have everything in a tiny pc..."

 

[Jeriko]

Hmmm... It's beginning to look more and more like the only way I'll get everything is to go the MSI MEGA route.

Not a big fan of that orange and white color scheme, nor the chipset, nor the expense of the P4 route...

Has anyone heard anything about MSI possibly working on an nForce based MEGA?

EDIT: BTW, I just realized there's a SFF forum. Doh!

-J

 

[bocamojo]

It sounds like the Shuttle Mini's have most of what you're looking for, except for the 2nd 5 1/4 drive bay for the Audigy drive bay unit. I would suggest going with an external breakout box, or just using the AIW's breakout box. You could always dremel the front and install it inside, or drill some holes and screw it to the top, or on the side of the case.

 

[SUOrangeman]

MSI Mega?

If only an nForce2 version was in the works ...

-SUO