critique my HTPC parts list

[schnell]

I want to build a HTPC cheaply (in college). I dont have cable right now, but I am going to get an OTA HDTV antenna. I assume that I need a regualr tuner for MCE too?

Let me know what you think of my parts selection. All prices from newegg.

AMD Athlon 64 3400+ & ECS KN1 lite combo $99.99
Patriot Signature Series 1GB $115.99
PNY VCG66256XPB Geforce 6600 $47.99
AverTV PVR 150 $61.99
AVerTVHD MCE A180 $75.99
Sony 16x DVDRW $30.99
Seagate 250gig $FREE (already have)

Total $432.94

I havent decided on the case yet.
The video card is what I am not sure about. Would I be better off with a 7600gs? Is it worth the extra money, or should I choose an ATI Card?

 

[shocksyde]

Looks good to me, very similar to my specs.

I was told (and researched a bit) and found that you really do want to look into a 7600GT for the best HD playback.

I picked up an MSI card from newegg that is HDCP ready, etc. It was pricey though (around $170). I went for it just to future-proof my HTPC.

Others with more knowledge on the reasoning will chime in, I'm sure.

Oh, and I believe you do need a regular tuner in order for an HD tuner to be recognized.

 

[UMDivX]

6600GT, 7600GS and 7600GT are all great video cards to start out with for HTPC use. I currently have a 6600GT AGP for my main HTPC and a 7600GT PCIe for my secondary HTPC and both work flawlessly for any HD material.

Also possibly look into a fanless video card, depending on where you will have the HTPC sitting, it'll get anoying if its close to where you are sitting. Also low ROM fans and a quiet PSU won't hurt either.

I personally think that Nvidia cards are just much easier to setup and get working with TV's more than ATI cards, but honestly I''ve never had great luck with ATI so I havn't seen what their latest stuff will do.

Also if you want to save a little money Avermedia has some deals right now goin one with their tuner cards: http://www.aver.com/mpd/promotion/promotion.html

you can get their new Purity 3D 250 SD tuner card and the A180 in a complete package for $129.99 Will save you a few bucks going that route. Plus the Purity 250 is a much better tuner card.

Also if your looking at getting MCE you'll want this:
http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_in...trol-for-windows-xp-mce/cName/remote-controls


but other than that, looks good for a nice beginner rig.

- Josh

 

[schnell]

UMDivx, I have a few Q's for ya

What exactly is better about the Purity 250?
Is it worth the extra trouble of ordering things from 2 places?
I dont really know much about tuner cards.


As for video cards I think I might go with a 7600gs, so here are the ones I am thinking about
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814125028
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814122007
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814127211

They all seem the same to me, is one better than the other for any reason?


Also, I already have a logitech harmony so I assume all I need to use that is an ir receiver?
like this one?
http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.php/pName/usbuirt-ir-blaster/cName/remote-controls

 

[UMDivX]

UMDivx, I have a few Q's for ya

What exactly is better about the Purity 250?
Is it worth the extra trouble of ordering things from 2 places?
I dont really know much about tuner cards.

The Purity base tuner cards run a much newer chipset on the cards, they have advanced filters and methods for cleaning up the picture quality. Do better 3:2 pulldown, ect...

They use the same chipset that the Nvidia DualTV cards use and right now the nvidia dualTV card is considered one of the best SD tuner cards out there.

As for video cards I think I might go with a 7600gs, so here are the ones I am thinking about
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814125028
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814122007
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814127211

They all seem the same to me, is one better than the other for any reason?

Other than manufacturing process's, and manufacture prefference there is really no difference. Many ppl (including myself) always recomend gigabyte, just becuase we've all had no issues with gigabyte cards.

Also, I already have a logitech harmony so I assume all I need to use that is an ir receiver?
like this one?
http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.php/pName/usbuirt-ir-blaster/cName/remote-controls

Just stick with the MCE remote kit I linked to already, it has out of the box support for SageTV, has an IR emiiter so it can control a STB, its cheaper, and Harmony has a profile for the MCE remote already programmed into is huge list of remotes. Trust me it'll be easier to setup. So just get the MCE remote kit, and just set the remote a side and ues your harmony, thats just what I did.

- Josh

 

[CrimandEvil]

What exactly is better about the Purity 250?

I have no idea what he's talking about and some of his answers are wrong but he is right in that it is one of the best tuners out there.
http://www.htpcnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=264&Itemid=26

And I wouldn't touch that mobo nor would I go with s939 unless you already have some regular DDR memory sitting around to reuse.

This is what I would suggest:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820144020
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103637
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131014
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129014

Using the onboard video too cause it's good enough for HTPC use.

 

[UMDivX]

I have no idea what he's talking about and some of his answers are wrong......

Wrong? Such as? I am just giving some simple advice. But I would say the 6150 is a nice setup, I've got one myself. Just aint the greatest at anything HD and VMR9, you might have to switch to overlay in some cases.

But if he's looking at a regular 6600 non-gt then the 6150 is a good alternative.

- Josh

 

[CrimandEvil]

Wrong? Such as? I am just giving some simple advice.

I was talking specifically about the comments on the 250. You know, in context of the quoted text.

 

[UMDivX]

I was talking specifically about the comments on the 250. You know, in context of the quoted text.

Still not sure what you mean but ok. As long as we agree that the purity 250 is a good card. One that I wouldn't have any qualms about recomending, as well as you correct?

- Josh

 

[CrimandEvil]

Yup. The only problem I have with it is that it's only available from Avermedia's webstore and not some place like PC Alchemy right now.

 

[UMDivX]

Yup. The only problem I have with it is that it's only available from Avermedia's webstore and not some place like PC Alchemy right now.

Yea same here but I've honestly had no issues ordering directly from avermedia

- Josh