Simple/inexpensive media unit build suggestions

chitownphoto

Junior Member
May 24, 2011
1
0
0
So I've been toying with the idea of putting together a simple little entertainment unit for my tv, nothing special just want it to be able to stream netflix, pandora, hulu etc etc. It wouldn't have to be anything special, but I'm looking for suggestions or ideas on the easiest and most affordable way.

Also it might be worth mentioning I have an OLD Dell Dimension 4550 just sitting around, with a foxconn video card, HD, Dvd drive etc etc...not sure if I can part it out into the new unit, but if I could that would be great. I'm sure the HD, dvd can go over, but I'm not too sure on the ram or the video card.

thanks in advance! :D
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
2
81
What specs are the old Dell? Just telling us it has a hard drive and a graphics card tells us nothing useful. What CPU? What and how much RAM? What model graphics card?

For what you want to use it for, a mini ITX box with a Zacate motherboard with a 2GB stick of RAM and a 2.5" drive would work well. Install XBMC for Linux on it. Voila!