second build 2000

[roadtrash]

whats up guys? It's been three years since you guys coached me through my first build. She's been a good one, but it's time for an upgrade. I just whent back and read my original thread, kinda funny
I've came a long way thanks to this forum and google. Back then I didn't even know what thermal paste was.

What I want to do is build a HTPC out of the old system using this case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811163076

Here is the link to the original build

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=121397

Should my old parts acomplish this in the new case? Is there any advice you can give me about building a HTPC? I think I should have everything I need in my old case, but I have never built a multimedia system, and there may be something I'm forgetting.


The second thing on my list is to build a new rig. The HTPC is going in the living room, so I'm gonna build a new one to replace it. I have about a 2000$ budget. I want the new system to play all the new games, and I plan on runnig three monitors. She's gonna be the powerhouse of my everexpanding home network. I'm running RAID 1 on the old system for data protection, and I want to set up another array in the new system, more than likely RAID 5. I'm up to 2.5 terras on my network. I just built a new house and ran cat5e through out. This is gonna be a sweet setup, but I might have to get a second job.

Here is the preliminary parts list. subject to change. I want one really good video card to be able to run crysis, that seems like the benchmark recently. I also have to have another cheapo card to run the third monitor. I'm gonna have 2, 17", 4:3's on each side, and this monster in the middle

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009094


The componants;


New case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119138

CPU

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115037

motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813186133

power supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817153039

main video card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130312

secondary card for one of the side monitors

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130197

RAM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145184

DVD burner

I hate to do IDE burner but I don't want to give up a SATA spot.

I'm also in the need of a capture card, Tv tuner card for the new rig so I can watch and record TV in the office. I'm not to hip on this part of the build. The ALL IN WONDER in the old rig was always buggy. I got comcast HD package, I would like to be able to capture HD or atleast digital off the set top box. I read up on it, but can't get any definitive answers.

This is gonna be fun. I have a week off work, so I'm gonna order it pretty quick. I would just like a few comments before I take the plunge.

Thanks for readin

[roadtrash]

I went back to the old thread and all the links are broken. Here are the basics

CPU

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819116171

motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16813131492

power

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817103604

RAM

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820145440

I'v, since then added 2 mor gigs of RAM

sorry bout the mix up

[Katreat]

just a quick read, will come back later but a few comments.

1. I have not heard alot about Foxconn MB. Seems like it has decent reviews but my tendancy is to alway use Asus, Abit, or Intel. I have used one GIG board, but that is just a lower quality Asus I think.

2. The second vid card you picked out is AGP. Did not read much about the MB but doubt it has an AGP slot.

3. Are you trying to save the SATA hookups for the HDs? Personally, I would go with a SATA burner and just get bigger HDs if you need that much room. It sure is nice not having those ribbon cables in the case.

I assume the 2K budget is for the box only? Or are you buying the 3 monitors with that budget also?

Kat