HTPC Build

[mrmister1]

I've been thinking about an HTPC build for a little while now. This is what I've picked out so far.

Processor: Intel Celeron D 320 2.4 GHz
Motherboard: Intel D864GLC MicroATX
RAM: Kingston 512 MB DDR PC-3200 KVR400X64C3A/512
DVD-ROM: Lite-On 16x
HDD: WD 160 GB 7200 RPM WD1600JB
Video: ATi Radeon 9000 Pro
Sound: Creative Labs Sound Blaster Live! 5.1
Case: Cooler Master ATC-620C-BX1

Let me know what you think.

I also need some HTPC software that is preferably free, that will work with TV, DVD, and music. Also, how will the sound card connect to the sound system?

Thanks in advance

[yellohut]

You'll need a TV tuner type card for that system if you want to use it to record TV shows and watch TV. I recommed one of the ATI All In Wonder Cards.. they're great.

As far as software, get MS Windows Media Center Edition 2005.. it has everything you need.. here it is with a remote control included:
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Produc...=604650-604651

[mrmister1]

Forgot about that before. The ATi card that I listed was an AIW card.

[Strider]

I'm assuming you mean for motherboard Intel D865GLC, so with that in mind all I can say is that board is one solid motherboard for I haven't had one single crash with it yet (Knock On Wood )! One piece of advice if you need a Lan card make sure it's the model #D865GLCL for the network card is optional on that motherboard.

[mb26]

cpu
the processor is ok- it performs fine for HTPC jobs, particularly in the video encoding area (compared to AMD), but it runs pretty hot, so your not going to be able to run it very quietly. personally i'd look towards a northwood P4, a-64 or Athlon XP-M if u can afford and of them, as they run cooler. the NW is 'average' temp, A64 stays cool at nearly all speeds, and the XP-M will be the coolest at stock speeds, but get hotter if u were to OC it. the A64 has Cool'n'Quiet technology in it so it gets even cooler when there isn't such demand for processing power.
a good choice u might not have considered would be a Pentium 4-M.. u can pick some of the older ones of these up on ebay for far cheaper than their desktop counterparts, u can oc it to high hell and back, have higher levels of cache than their desktop equivilant, and they run cooler of course. (they work in S478 or w/e the NW P4 one is) the 'ultimate' would be the pentium M, for performance/low heat.. probably too expensive unless u can expand ur budget.

Video/TV card:
getting an ATI AIW 9000 pro may work out cheaper than buying a graphics card and separate TV card, and AFAIK u get a remote with that.. (u'd have to check.. u atleast do on the hgiher-end ones). the quality is reasonable, but if u want better, or don't want to game atall (not that a 9000 pro would give u that much) look towards the leadtek WinFast TV2000 XP Expert, and if u went with that + onboard video it would be cheaper.

u dont actually 'need' any HTPC software of course.. but it just adds to the 'its not a PC' feeling..
http://mediaportal.sourceforge.net < here is a free HTPC app but AFAIK u need DX9.0c.. i dont know if the card needs to support it or if u just need to DL it..
myHTPC used to be free but it was taken over and IIRC its not anymore.. u may be able to get an older version of it.
MCE 2005 is ok but at that price u have to really want it. and if u have a TV card u'll usually have a remote already..

[mrmister1]

Yes, I meant the D865 not the D864. If I do get it in the end, I will get the LAN, I was just looking for a good motherboard.

I was going to get the Celeron and then get a Zalman Heatsink, which run very quietly.

Also, I'll look into Media Portal. The card doesn't need to support it fully. As long as you have it installed it should work.

Thanks again.

[mrmister1]

Also, we were planning on getting a new TV which has the cable box built into it. Right now I have iO digital cable from Cablevision. How will the video card work with that?