CPU interface between TV and Media Server

[briley]

During my vacation next week, I want to build a CPU interface between my HP media server and my Samsung LCD television. This would be my third build. So, I'm still not that confident. The computer will be primarily used for : 1) watching streaming video from the internet (i.e. Hulu, Netflix, etc.), 2) watching/listening to media stored on my server (i.e. videos, music, photos), and 3) general internet use (i.e. surfing, checking Gmail, online shopping). I am currently using my laptop as an interface and want to free it up.

I'm having a problem trying to decide what I actually need in the system and would like your input. Initially, here's what I am thinking, TELL ME IF I'M WRONG.

1) I don't need a big hard drive since I am accessing a server and/or the internet.
2) I don't need an optical drive because I have a PS3 and, if I want to rip CDs or DVDs, I have my desktop computer (or laptop) in my office that attached to the server.

Questions:

1) For what I am using the computer for, how much memory do you recommend I have?
2) I want to build this thing as cheaply as possible, which component would you not skimp on? I’m assuming the video card, motherboard, processor, and ethernet card are the most important components. Is that true? Do I really need a high end motherboard and processor? I’m not going to be using it for gaming (since I have the PS3).
3) I have purchased XP for my desktop computer, am I able to install it on this new computer or will I have to buy a new OS?
4) Would it just be cheaper to buy a bare bone system? If so, where do you recommend me getting one?

My basic list so far:

Case
Power Supply
CPU
CPU Cooler
Motherboard
Memory
Graphics Hardware
Hard Drive
Audio Hardware? I would like to be able to hook up the CPU directly to my receiver. Right now, I'm just using the basic male/male audio output.
HD Tuner? I have a DVR from Time Warner Cable, is an HD Tuner needed in this situation?

Thanks, in advance, for your help. I really appreciate it.

[glc]

First 2 points:

1. With the prices of hard drives, it doesn't make sense to actually look for a small drive. A 320gb drive is only about 50 bucks.

2. With DVD burners only about 30 bucks, again, it doesn't make sense to omit that, and you will need an optical drive to get the OS, drivers, software, etc. installed.

Next points:

1. 2 gigs should be fine, but with memory as cheap as it is, I'd buy 4 gigs.
2. You do not need high end components, but do not skimp on quality. I'd look at something like an Asus P5KPL-CM motherboard and a Pentium E5200. Aftermarket CPU cooler not needed, the retail box processor comes with one.
3. One computer per OS, you will need to buy that. XP Home is only $90.
4. Maybe, but most barebones systems have at least one substandard component.

You do not need any kind of high end graphics hardware. An entry level video card is all you need - just make sure it has the right outputs, DVI and HDMI is a plus.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121259

This will also allow you to use an inexpensive power supply - an Antec Basiq 350 is plenty. The only reason to go higher end is if you want something quiet. Just stick with quality brands. Note that almost all inexpensive cases that come with power supplies have junk power supplies in them. Here is one of the few exceptions:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811153089

This has a 350 watt Delta.

[briley]

Here's what I have:

Video Card ($29.99):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121259

Case ($44.99):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811153089

Motherboard ($54.99):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131288

Processor ($82.99):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116072

Memory ($49.99):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820104060

DVD Drive ($20.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106228

OS (XP Home $89.99):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116511


Total $373.93+ $26.84 (Shipping) = $400.77

Look feasible? Do I have the correct memory? Can I get any other components cheaper somewhere else?

Forgot to add the hard drive ($41.99):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136075

Total (w/shipping) = $445.67

Now it begs the question, can I find something already built with an OS for the same price?

(Sorry about the other posts. Forgot to use edit function. Now, I can't delete my posts.)

[briley]

Forgot to add the hard drive ($41.99):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136075

Total (w/shipping) = $445.67

[briley]

Now it begs the question, can I find something already built with an OS for the same price?

[shadowpr]

Change the ram to this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145184

And the dvd drive to this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106264

You can get an equally cheap prebuilt, but I doubt it will have the quality of parts you currently have listed. You have a nice build there.

[briley]

Thanks, glc and shadowpr, for the input. This is my first time ordering from Newegg. I usually get components from my local computer shop (www.ditcorp.com) because I like to support local businesses. However, with that being said, Newegg's prices are pretty amazing. If I were to order this today, would they ship everything together?

[shadowpr]

If it's in stock, they will ship. But they have several warehouses that they ship from, and they might ship different parts from different warehouses. So you might get like 4 different boxes from 4 different places.

[Jaxbot]

I'm about to build pretty much the same thing, and you answered all my questions.

About prebuilt things for cheaper, there's this: http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/avcards/b4ba/
But that's fairly BETA, and building yourself is always funner and more worth it.