What would you do?

[Loki726]

Ok right now I have two systems,

First one is for video editing/programming/light gaming.

athlon64 3000+ winchester @ 2.6 ghz
A8N-SLI
2x512mb ocz value vx 2-2-2-9 @200mhz
leadtek 6600gt
200gb sata maxtor
SB audigy 2
plextor 708a dvd-rw
currently running windows xp pro
PC power and cooling turbocool 510

Second one is a web/file/windows domain server for easy access to my files
and roaming desktops across my campus network

Mobile athlon xp 2500@ 1.8 ghz
DFI nfii ultra
256mb generic crap ram @ pc3200
80gb pata maxtor
2x200gb sata samsung in raid 0
nvidia tnt2 32mb video
some random generic cd-rom drive
currently runing a minimized debian sarge 2.6 kernel


So I'm thinking of building an htpc. I can either build an entirely new system for my htpc or upgrade one of my other systems and use the old parts for my htpc.

The budget for the project is about 500-600 for just the hardware.

What would you do?

Also, I need to decide on an OS for my htpc. While I am very comfortable working on the command line in linux, I have never had a need for a gui and therefore don't know what it is capable of. Would it be feasible to base a htpc on a linux distro or would I be better off just sticking with windows?

 

[mettleh3d]

what the hecks wrong with either of em?
i have a 64 3400+ and a 9880xt. Your system is better than mine. Be humble.

the people who upgrade from top-tier machines have the most superficial reasons ever and try to mask that by spending money and feeling powerful for...2 weeks?

 

[suklee]

The 2nd system looks like a good candidate for upgrading to HTPC... it just needs more RAM and a better equipped video card for htpc use.

 

[Loki726]

I guess I didn't make this very clear, but the goal here is to end up with one high end workstation, one server, and one htpc.

The workstation and server are in one room and the htpc is going to replace my dvd player and stereo system in my living room. I know I really don't need a powerful system for a htpc, but I hate building a new computer out of older parts. I can't decide whether to get like a 754 a64 setup for my server and use my old server for an htpc or just buy a new htpc.

 

[Loki726]

Originally posted by: Kai920
The 2nd system looks like a good candidate for upgrading to HTPC... it just needs more RAM and a better equipped video card for htpc use.

What do you think is the minimum video card I could get away with. All I am really going to be doing is watching and recording movies/TV.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: Loki726
I hate building a new computer out of older parts.

I am just the opposite. I love the challenge of updating a rig using as many of the older parts as I can.
It takes much more thought than just going to Newegg and building a list of new parts. :laugh:
I strive to keep everything in balance as far as price vs. performance vs. noise.

 

[Loki726]

Originally posted by: Blain

Originally posted by: Loki726
I hate building a new computer out of older parts.

I am just the opposite. I love the challenge of updating a rig using as many of the older parts as I can.
It takes much more thought than just going to Newegg and building a list of new parts. :laugh:
I strive to keep everything in balance as far as price vs. performance vs. noise.

hmm let me rephrase that. I hate BUYING old parts. If I have some old parts I would have no problem using them, but if I have to buy something I would rather not spend my money on outdated parts.

This wouldn't have been a problem before I went to college since I had about 5-6 generations of parts just lying around I could have used. But my parents made me get rid of most of them when I moved out (I moved across the country so I could only bring 1 comp with me).