[chris33f]

Hi,
I plan to build my HTPC too.
After trying several Media center software, it looks like Media Portal to be the best.

I plan to buy the following hardware ;

Coolermaster 281 case
MotherBoard : Abit AN-M2HD
CPU : Athlon 64 X2 6000
RAM : 2G 800MHz
HDD : Raid5 250G *3 + 40G for the system
Power Supply : ENERMAX ELT400AWT - Liberty
Tuner : Pinnacle PCTV Rave (I already have it from my current computer)
and I think a Pinnacle PCTV Hybrid Pro stick

Any comment ?

[Spragleknas]

CPU : Athlon 64 X2 6000

You should really reconsider this, as I believe it has a TDP rating of 125W.

See: http://products.amd.com/en-us/DesktopCPUFilter.aspx

Perhaps a lower CPU can be compensated with a standalone graphic card

[chris33f]

Yes maybe an Athlon 64X2 5400/5600 (89W) would be better. Or upgrade the power supply.
I think I will start with the onboard video (Nvidia 7050, shared memory 256MB) and later add a standalone video board.

[Spragleknas]

Or a X2 5200+ @ 65W?
http://products.amd.com/en-us/Deskto...ail.aspx?id=35

[chris33f]

Do you think it will be powerful enough ?
Usually, for a media center it's recommended to have a 3GHz CPU...

[deebo]

ive run MP and the works on a s939 3800+ x2 for over a year now, without a hitch

can play all medias including 1080p h264

[Spragleknas]

X2 5200 is more than enough, believe me.

If you are planning to do heavy upscaling and postprocessing, the I am not 100 % (but 99%) confident.
I would never buy a 90W TDP CPU nowadays... (don't know what the ACP is . perhaps it is gentle when idle?(.

[chris33f]

Perfect !
Thank you