Mobo/CPU Suggestions

[PacoD]

Can anyone suggest a mobo/CPU combo for a budget system? My needs are primarily for mp3 playback via iTunes, TV viewing and recording via a Hauppauge 250 card (not in HD), watching TV shows (Xvid) on a 42 inch Panasonic plasma, and surfing the net. Gaming is not a primary concern however I would like to play some older games from a few years ago (Brothers in Arms, Call of Duty) without getting into a video card. Are there any suggestions?

 

[Fayd]

asus m2a-vm (or whatever it is... matx, built in DVI/HDMI w/ x700 class integrated graphics
athlon x2 3600+

 

[NXIL]

Hola Paco,

I agree with Fayd, a socket AM2 would work great, and, they are cheep right now.

One of the low power models would be best, either the 65 watt X2s, or, the 45 watt BE 2350.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...ue=517%3a20996&bop=And

And, one of these: not sure if you need HDMI or not....and if you read the reviews, they will help a bit--the MSI does not have DVI out, but does have HDMI.

Edit: added link that I did not paste in like I thought I did:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...8052%2CN82E16813131174

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...yCodeValue=719%3A28422

HTH

NXIL

 

[PacoD]

thanks...I dont have HD Cable in my area...but we should be getting it soon...if so and I upgrade my PVR card to a HD one...will this HTPC set up still work?

 

[PacoD]

http://www.ncix.com/products/i...acture=NMedia%20System

http://www.ncix.com/products/i...H&manufacture=Gigabyte

http://www.ncix.com/products/p...p?noheader=1&sku=19783

I was looking at these components...will this will my needs? If I upgrade to a HD Tuner will this Mobo/CPU combo be adequate? Also can someone help pick out some RAM? I'm running Win XP so 2 GB will probably be OK.

 

[NXIL]

The 4200 CPU looks perfect.

Can't say about the mobo or case, though it does look like that is a full sized ATX motherboard, not a uATX.

Memory: one of the name brands with a lifetime warranty.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...0091%2CN82E16820134488

I would just go with the Kingston at $83, and not worry about the rebates on the others....

Case: at about the same price as the nMedia, the SIlverstone La Scala looks like it has better cooling....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811163033

I assume the one for about $600 is nice....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...3080%2CN82E16811292004

HTH

NXIL

 

[Peter]

After the just announced software update to the AMD690G video capabilities, I'd suggest an Athlon X2 BE series (45W low power) CPU and a 690G mainboard of your choice, with whatever features you deem necessary.