The twist is I have provided as much information as I know, and hopefully I have organized it easier for the experts to provide accurate and exact recommendations.
Disclaimer: I like building computers, but my last build was 5 years ago. I havent been keeping up with the new dual core cpus and no idea about the motherboards. Also, this is my first HTPC build, so any related information is appreciated.
Now the information
What I will use it for
- HTPC, I watch a lot of TV, movies, shows, etc. Includes video streaming
- Not for gaming dx10 games or anything.
- Video editing, not hardcore. Just average - whatever simple options pinnacle studio allows you to do. Also, editing recorded HD into divx.
- Storage, to store my media and recorded stuff.
- Of course, Everyday stuff
What do I prefer
- Running 24/7 online cool and as silent as possible - Running reliably 24/7 is a MUST!
- HD Tuner card
- Vista capable (so only parts that are compatible with Vista)
- DVI capable video card
- Budget - About $600. Not including the monitor. I like to buy used parts also, so you can account for used prices.
- No overclocking required, unless its simple to do and can improve performance for htpc. Def. wont be doing worthwhile gaming to require overclocking. I would prefer to run at stock voltage.
- Fast boot, but silent computer
What do I have
- Copy of Vista
- Working keyboard and mouse
Other Notes
- I dont mind spending little more on a Good mobo and psu for future upgrades.
- Please ignore gaming from your equation(s) as whtever system I build is going to support my small gaming needs, guaranteed.
Parts: (Items in bold have been decided on)
CPU - e6600, or a mobile dual core, or quad core? Quad core sounds like an overkill, but idonno
MOBO - No clue! Onboard sound and/or LPT ports are a plus.
Hard Drive - I was thinking of Raptors, but if they are too loud, I'll just go with Sata. Which ones though? I need a separate drive(s) for storage and another drive just for the OS and programs.
Case - Nothing attractive, just something which allows for good airflow and is silent
HDTV Tuner - I used a DVICO card and was very happy with it, the software kinda sucked though in XP Pro. I have been hearing good things about hauppauge. Has to be with a remote and be able to run the entire software with the remote including recordings and playback. (so I can run it without keyboard and mouse once started).
OS - Vista Ultimate 32 bit
Video Card - Def. dont need a hi-fi card. Anything that has STABLE drivers for Vista and a DVI output works.
PSU - Something silent
Drive - DVD-RW. Just budget reliable drive that doesnt screw up dvd media.
Let me know if you need any other information to make decisions on any of these parts, Or anything that I might have forgotten
Disclaimer: I like building computers, but my last build was 5 years ago. I havent been keeping up with the new dual core cpus and no idea about the motherboards. Also, this is my first HTPC build, so any related information is appreciated.
Now the information
What I will use it for
- HTPC, I watch a lot of TV, movies, shows, etc. Includes video streaming
- Not for gaming dx10 games or anything.
- Video editing, not hardcore. Just average - whatever simple options pinnacle studio allows you to do. Also, editing recorded HD into divx.
- Storage, to store my media and recorded stuff.
- Of course, Everyday stuff
What do I prefer
- Running 24/7 online cool and as silent as possible - Running reliably 24/7 is a MUST!
- HD Tuner card
- Vista capable (so only parts that are compatible with Vista)
- DVI capable video card
- Budget - About $600. Not including the monitor. I like to buy used parts also, so you can account for used prices.
- No overclocking required, unless its simple to do and can improve performance for htpc. Def. wont be doing worthwhile gaming to require overclocking. I would prefer to run at stock voltage.
- Fast boot, but silent computer
What do I have
- Copy of Vista
- Working keyboard and mouse
Other Notes
- I dont mind spending little more on a Good mobo and psu for future upgrades.
- Please ignore gaming from your equation(s) as whtever system I build is going to support my small gaming needs, guaranteed.
Parts: (Items in bold have been decided on)
CPU - e6600, or a mobile dual core, or quad core? Quad core sounds like an overkill, but idonno
MOBO - No clue! Onboard sound and/or LPT ports are a plus.
Hard Drive - I was thinking of Raptors, but if they are too loud, I'll just go with Sata. Which ones though? I need a separate drive(s) for storage and another drive just for the OS and programs.
Case - Nothing attractive, just something which allows for good airflow and is silent
HDTV Tuner - I used a DVICO card and was very happy with it, the software kinda sucked though in XP Pro. I have been hearing good things about hauppauge. Has to be with a remote and be able to run the entire software with the remote including recordings and playback. (so I can run it without keyboard and mouse once started).
OS - Vista Ultimate 32 bit
Video Card - Def. dont need a hi-fi card. Anything that has STABLE drivers for Vista and a DVI output works.
PSU - Something silent
Drive - DVD-RW. Just budget reliable drive that doesnt screw up dvd media.
Let me know if you need any other information to make decisions on any of these parts, Or anything that I might have forgotten