Small from factor PC build

[otteridiz]

I would like to build a smaill PC with these specs for sure:

Minimum 300gb hard drive
Video card capable of watching multiple movies/recordings simultaneously (PCI-Express - because it the cool thing to do)
1-2gb RAM
AMD Processor

This being my first build I am not sure how to pick out the right casing, motherboard, chip, ect. I was checking out the Shuttle barebone systems, but don't know if that is the way to go.

Presently I am using my laptop in coordination with a Hauppauge USB TV Tuner to record TV, an external LG 5163D DVD Burner, and I have an older 120gb external hard drive ( that may be on it's last leg).

I simply want a small form factor PC with a big hard drive and above average video card, so I can take my laptop places and not worry about losing recordings. Oh, and I do not want to spend as little as possible (<$800)

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[InlineFour]

small form factor PCs tend to be rather expensive since they use proprietary hardware. with that said, i'd recomend something like an amd 64 3500+.

shuttle barebone - $374
corsair value 2gb - $140
nvidia 6200 pci-express - $60
seagate 300gb - $100
amd 64 3500+ venice - $200

total is $874 + shipping. slightly over your budget.

OR

if you wanted to save some money but use older technology, you can get a nforce3 shuttle.

shuttle nf3 - $262

this uses AGP graphics though, which can be good and bad.

the good - you can get a 9800 pro for about $80 which will blow the nvidia 6200 pci-express out of the water.

the bad- agp is now obsolete.

by going with a nf3/agp setup, you save about $100, but you're limited on video card upgradability and stuck with an older chipset (nf3).

 

[otteridiz]

Thanks for the info. I am doing some more research and will take your recommendations into consideration. My goal is to stay under $800, but do not want to limit my options for upgrading in the future. I may go with a different casing all together, and cancel the Shuttle idea...as they do seem to be pricey$$$.

I will post a build in the next coupke days.

Thanks again.

 

[InlineFour]

or you can go with a mATX case.

Text

 

[EagleEye]

The Aspire Q-Pack is a great, affordable case. It fits standard atx psus (I would suggest a 450Watt FSP for around $50). Then, as suggested above:

corsair value 2gb - $140
nvidia 6200 pci-express - $60
seagate 300gb - $100
amd 64 3500+ venice - $200
Biostar 6100 mobo- $60

That is $670. With the remaining budget, you could upgrade to an opty 165 (only $100 more) and get maybe an x800. Or you could drop the video card all together and go with the onboard 6100 on the biostar.

 

[pkme2]

My first advice would be: Check out the rigs of all responders to get a better idea of what they got to offer. Many have opinions, but you're can see where its coming from. Do the math. Are they talking from experience or wishful thinking? Some of the older ATers have nice rigs, so there's a place to start. Good hunting.