Ongoing First go at specs. (1 Viewer)

[Eccles]

Hi, although I've successfully built PCs before this will be my first HTPC and I'd appreciate your feed back. Its initial role will be as a PVR for analogue TV - no DVB-T in my region due to lack of available bandwidth. I realise its over the top for initial purpose. However, experience of all sorts of computers from mainframes downwards has taught me the value of spare capacity.

Mobo Gigabyte GA-MA69GM-S2H details here
RAM Crucial 2 x 1gb details here
CPU AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Energy Efficient 2.7GHz details here
CPU Cooler Scythe Ninja Mini details here
HDD WD Caviar SE16 - 250 GB - internal - 3.5" - SATA-300 - 7200 rpm - buffer: 16 MB details here
DVD Samsung Writemaster SH-S203B/BEBN SATA DVD details here
TV card WinTV-HVR-1300 details here
Case Antec New Solution NSK2480 380 Watt details here
OS XP Pro SP2
Cheap wireless desktop, probably this one
a cheap LCD for instal/setup.
Intended TV is a 32" Panasonic Viera LCD

Thanks in advance

 

[Spragleknas]

(Extensive smiley warning)

Very simular to my setup:

Mobo Gigabyte GA-MA69GM-S2H <- Got that
RAM Crucial 2 x 1gb <- only 1 GB (Kingston 667)
CPU AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Energy Efficient <- Got X2 4200
HDD WD Caviar SE16 - 250 GB <- Got 500 GB WD
DVD Samsung <- Me = NEC
TV card WinTV-HVR-1300 <- Got PVR-150, same analogue part
Case Antec New Solution NSK2480 380 Watt <- Got that
OS XP Pro SP2 <- Yup
Intended TV is a 32" Panasonic Viera LCD <- 42" 1080p Tatung

My comment:
- Good setup, but there are issues with the onboard gfx and reflections.
- Having sync issues with TV and DXVA

My tip: Lower CPU or something - get a ATi HD-series (new series arriving soon)

Need more? You ask. Me answer

 

[Eccles]

Thanks Spragleknas. I do need more, so here goes:-

I'm aware of the onboard gfx/reflections issue but understand there are a coupla workarounds and that this issue only affects skins. Have I got it right?

First I've read of the sync.issue. Can you tell me more?

Why are you suggesting a lower CPU? Do you think its way over the top? I've basically gone for the highest performing 65 watt CPU as cost differences are not great. I'm not expecting cooling issues and to drop back to a 45 watt CPU means a big hit on horsepower.

What's this ATI HD series? An add in gfx card or a new chip set? How will that help if the Catalyst drivers are still involved?

 

[Spragleknas]

1: Yes. No problems when removing flipy=
2: Short: Solved with right codecs (Cyberlink PowerDVD)
3: I am not suggesting lowering CPU, just that I would (for the same amount of money) rather go with a gfx
3. ATi HD2400, HD2600 - new: HD 3xx0-series (55nm). Has hardware acc. of HD content, and works with apps like Ati trat tool and powerstrip (+reflections)

Edit 2: Spoke to soon

 

[Eccles]

Thanks Spragleknas. I have not ruled out a separate gfx card for all time. I'll come back if and when I feel the need to make that upgrade.

 

[QuaiBoy]

Looks nice. Personally, I'd go for a 45w processor if the price is right. True, you can't get quite up to the speed of your 65w and they cost a bit more, but for a computer that's always on and when you're looking for reliability, less heat and less power makes sense. I was spec-ing systems today, actually, and decided on the 45w for when I upgrade next.

Other than that, you might consider upping the hard drive space a bit - you'll blow through that 250gb faster than you think. As said, I'd also do discrete graphics (in fact, I did) rather than the onboard offering. Like you said, it can be added later though.

Good luck.

-Evan