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<blockquote data-quote="SteveC-MM" data-source="post: 93499" data-attributes="member: 27047">As an entry-level thing, I picked up a Compaq DeskPro SFF (slim form factor) PIII-933 with 512mb RAM for $40 from Ebay, and slapped in a $19 DVDROM from Newegg, added a $70 160gb IDE drive, and an older ATI card for $25 (also from Newegg) with TV+RCA out. No PVR capability (until I add a Hauppage card), but it plays DVDs, XViD AVI, and MPEG videos fine, does the slideshow fine, and streams internet radio fine.With the purchase price of MediaPortal being $0, now I know I can get some more updated hardware and be satisfied. One advantage I see to buying an off-lease system from Ebay or other place is that the machine is in decent condition and I don' t have to spend time putting many core components (MB, CPU, etc) together.The one thing I don't like about my bottom-end system is the chassis fan is audible when XViD AVIs play. I think I mighjt disconnect it and find another fan option....</blockquote>

[QUOTE="SteveC-MM, post: 93499, member: 27047"] As an entry-level thing, I picked up a Compaq DeskPro SFF (slim form factor) PIII-933 with 512mb RAM for $40 from Ebay, and slapped in a $19 DVDROM from Newegg, added a $70 160gb IDE drive, and an older ATI card for $25 (also from Newegg) with TV+RCA out. No PVR capability (until I add a Hauppage card), but it plays DVDs, XViD AVI, and MPEG videos fine, does the slideshow fine, and streams internet radio fine. With the purchase price of MediaPortal being $0, now I know I can get some more updated hardware and be satisfied. One advantage I see to buying an off-lease system from Ebay or other place is that the machine is in decent condition and I don' t have to spend time putting many core components (MB, CPU, etc) together. The one thing I don't like about my bottom-end system is the chassis fan is audible when XViD AVIs play. I think I mighjt disconnect it and find another fan option.... [/QUOTE]

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