I've been readin' the forums, and doing homework, and now it's time for my virgin post...
Me:
I'm quite noobish - especially when talking about PC Specs - I dont know the diff between pci/pci-e/pci-x, and I get horribly lost knowing the difference between mobo's / PSU's etc...
I manage some people who know all this suff... but it's been a long long time since I had my hands on...
I'm tempted to build my HTPC myself, but I will probably get a shop to do it so they can take some responsibility for making sure all the parts are copmatabile and what not...
I would also be really tempted to just get a box from promax, or the like, but the forums suggest I'll get a much better outcome by spec 'n build myself(ish).
I feel like, what I really need, is a partner in crime... I think you lot will get sick of my noobish ways... we will see.
The Purpose:
- Storage & playback of media (HD TV, Photos, Music)
- Recording TV (HD)
- Games... Yes, I guess I have to spec it to handle some gaming - BF2, Command & Conquer, etc
- I do NOT need a high spec uber-machine that will handle max'd out graphics on every game.
I already have:
- Panasonic 5.2 Surround sound system with bluray player (SC-BT105)
- Freeview Encoder
- 37 Inch Panasonic TV
I hope to be able to build something in the vague vicinity of $1000...
Case: Silverstone LC16M
Motherboard: I have no idea!? So many choices, and no experience to tell which to choose... ?
CPU: AMD Dual Core... ?
PSU: ???
RAM: 2GB ?
OS: Windows XP or Vista (not especially fussed)
S/w: Media Portal (probably). (I'm running GB-PVR at the mo, but want to move to M-Portal)
Graphics: NVidia GF 8600GT!??
Tuner: Hauppauge HVR2200
HDD: 500GB SATA - Not fussy...
Periperals: Wireless keyboard & Mouse
CD Player: Very Basic CD/DVD reader. (write not essential - I can do it on my laptop)
Networking: Ethernet + 802.11g/n (N not essential, but preferable).
I know I haven't given you much to go on... but if anyone can help me spec an appropriate case, mobo, etc, I'd be stoked!
Ed.
edit: I just made a decision on the case, and edited it into the list