Media Center - New Build

[Fishhook69]

I want to build a media center with a large monitor 22"-26". I want a CPU that will serve as a tv tuner, DVR and will allow me to stream video from the web without bogging down the system's RAM, video card memory or processor. the system should have a DVD read/write drive. A web browser is critical. OS - Windows.
A remote for the tv tuner and probably a wireless mouse/keyboard combo.
I am not sure where to start but these are the things I want to be able to do. This would be a build from the ground up. I have approximately $750-$900 to spend. Is there more I can tell you or is this request too much for my budget?

[Kidd]

I built a computer this year that streams video fine, has DVD-RW, and I haven't been able to 'bog it down' yet with multiple programs and browsers running simultaneously, but that was around $900. No Monitor included (another $200 for a 24"), no TV tuner (around $100). or try a monitor with built in tuner:

http://www.buy.com/prod/samsung-t240...208166509.html

To build your own, find a case, select a Motherboard, then a compatible CPU, then a compatible GPU and Power Supply. RAM choices will be based on your motherboard. Post all components on here and THEN the experts on this site (I'm not the expert) will tell you everything that won't work, what components are likely to fail because they're too cheap, etc. I'm not the expert on media centers, but it does seem like a tall order for $750. Check out components and prices, then re-post.

[glc]

One thing that helps - you won't have to spend more than 50 bucks for a suitable video card for that use. The only use that needs a stronger card is gaming.

[freakitchen]

Originally Posted by glc One thing that helps - you won't have to spend more than 50 bucks for a suitable video card for that use. The only use that needs a stronger card is gaming.

In fact, the latest onboard graphics are designed specifically for Media Centre use. I'm looking at AMDs lineup here - the latest boards now have very strong ATI graphics chipsets (4200 HD for instance) with HDMI out that are designed for video playback and hardware acceleration for Blu-Ray. This also keeps noise and heat to a minimum - both vital considerations for a media centre.

I recently built something like this for a friend - it had an ASUS motherboard, an AMD dual core processor, 4GB of DDR2 memory, a 1TB Hard Disk, a Blu-Ray drive and a dual-tuner PCI TV card, in an Antec 'cube' style case, running Windows 7 for around £500 GBP.

Try pricing up some components. I can find out some model numbers for the above if that would be of help.

[Fishhook69]

Thanks for any help or guidance you can give. I look at cases then wonder if the motherboard will fit. Good to know a large expensive graphic card not required for media center. Do I need one of thelatest and greatest processors or will a dual core processor meet my needs? Like I said, I don't even know where to start.

[freakitchen]

Cases advertised as 'Media Centre' cases generally will only take Micro ATX motherboards, which are square, or thereabouts, in dimensions. Assuming you're in the US, here's a similar board to the one I used:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-595-_-Product

Note that it's advertised as a Micro ATX and has the powerful on-board graphics chip. A mid-range AM3 dual core processor should handle anything you can throw at it. Blu-Ray, if you choose to install a drive, will be handled largely by the graphics processor and not the CPU.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103687

I've already mentioned the other components I'd suggest but if you'd like advice on anything specific just post a link.

One of the most important parts in a media centre build is the case itself. I'd suggest an Antec as it will come with a quality power supply, and will have large, quiet fans. They do tend to be quite large in at least one dimension, though, so make sure it fits where you want it to go. Some TV stands will struggle as they're designed for smaller electronics.

[Fishhook69]

Thanks to all for your input. I will hit the books and see what configurations are possible and just how much it will cost in the end.
Fishhook69