Need help choosing major components! (1 Viewer)

[SaintM]

Hi,

I'm eager to get started and build my 1st HTPC, but my knowledge on PC hardware is about 5 years out of date!

I've started to build up a list of components I need to get, but am unsure when it comes to the CPU, Motherboard, RAM, Videocard and cooling (so yeah, most of it then!). As they are all obviously dependant on each other I don't want to make a costly mistake so am looking for advice on what would be suitable for my needs.

I intend to use the device as a PVR (replacing an old TiVo) and also to play downloaded films. I don't intend to use it for any sort of gaming, although the odd web browsing session would not be out of the question.

Here is what I have on the shopping list so far:

Case
Antec NSK2400 case
£60

TV Tuner
Pinnacle PCTV Dual DVB-T Pro PCI
£60

HDD
Western Digital Caviar SE16 320GB 3200KS SATA-II 16MB Cache
£70

DVD Writer
NEC AD7170A 18x18 DVD±RW Dual Layer ReWriter (Silver)
£20

I will be connecting video to a SD tv via S-Video and audio to a 2 speaker stereo.

I understand that 512 RAM will be enough for my requirements and the mobo needs to be mini-atx to fit in the case, but beyond that my requirements are cloudy at best!

Could anyone point me in the direction of, or offer, some sound advice on what to go for?

 

[davej00]

What you are proposing looks OK. In fact the case looks very nice

I have the MSI K8NGM2-FID which is an AMD based mobo -- I use the onboard video which supports hardware MPEG decode so puts a low load on the CPU.

I would have no hestitation in recommending it.

If you do go for a mobo with onboard graphics I would be tempted to up your memory to 1G as the memory is shared with the graphics engine.

I'm not sure how quiet the Western Digital drives are -- I use the Sammy Spinpoint [see my sig] and they are very quiet and do not generate much heat.

Have fun !

- Dave

 

[SaintM]

Thanks for the response Dave, that mobo/CPU combo does indeed look like it ticks all the right boxes.

The only real concern that I have (and that would be with any mobo) is cooling. I've never user a small case before so am a bit anxious about how I would cool the CPU. I've taken a look at the zalman site, but to be honest it just looks like lots and lots of identical fans to me

 

[davej00]

The only real concern that I have (and that would be with any mobo) is cooling. I've never user a small case before so am a bit anxious about how I would cool the CPU. I've taken a look at the zalman site, but to be honest it just looks like lots and lots of identical fans to me

I don't want to start a flame war -- but IMHO the AMDs tend to be cooler than their equivalent P4.

I use the Zalman CNPS 7000B-Cu copper fan and I run it at about 1350 RPM. The mobo has no other fans -- so the downdraft from the CPU fan also cools the bridges. When looking at cooling, you need to consider what else is in the box, I have one 80 mm fan and two fans on the PSU -- although they only run intermittently -- and my box typically stays well below 40C

As well as this forum -- I found the info over at http://www.silentpcreview.com very useful.

Enjoy !

- Dave

 

[onkl]

Concerning the "continuous AMD-Intel flamewar" (well, not really, trying to help on your processor more ): About a year AMD was the big hit with their AMD 64 series. Since, Intel has introduced their Core (2)(Duo) series, which are most probably better in itself. However, as a response, AMD has dropped the prices of the 64 series, so if you don't intend major gaming etc. you might want to consider some low end 939 pins processor, like the AMD 64 3200+. These procs trottle down quite well when not under full load (assuming you like silence and have to pay the energy bill, you'll appreciate that).

 

[SaintM]

Looking up the K8NGM2-FID mobo, I can't see if it actually comes with the S-Video connector or if it is a separate purchase... did yours come with it Dave?

I think AMD is the way to go and as i'd like the cheapest I can do it, a socket939 is looking good!

 

[davej00]

Looking up the K8NGM2-FID mobo, I can't see if it actually comes with the S-Video connector or if it is a separate purchase... did yours come with it Dave?

It came with a seperate breakout connector that gives component video and s-video. My case only supports half-height PCI cards, so I removed the metal plate, and the connector comes out the back of the box. Not an eyesore and but worked for me.

If you go on the MSI website and look out the manual for the mobo you can see the breakout connector that it uses. [about page 2-22] [its described as optional because it comes only with the 6150 mobos]

Enjoy !

- Dave

 

[SaintM]

Thanks again Dave. Your advice has been most helpful!

 

[SaintM]

Ok.. I think I have a full list of stuff to get started with now..

CPU
AMD Athlon 64 3000+ (Socket 939) - OEM
£40

Motherboard
MSI K8NGM2-FID
£53

RAM
Corsair 1GB DDR Value Select PC2700 CAS2.5 Kit (2x512MB) (VS1GBKIT333)
£82

Cooling
Zalman CNPS7000B-Cu
£22

Video Card
On mobo

Case
Antec NSK2400 case
£60

TV Tuner
Pinnacle PCTV Dual DVB-T Pro PCI
£60

HDD
Western Digital Caviar SE16 320GB 3200KS SATA-II 16MB Cache
£70

DVD Writer
NEC AD7170A 18x18 DVD±RW Dual Layer ReWriter (Silver)
£20

It comes in a little over budget at the moment, but i've not really shopped around for prices.

Any obvious flaws/gaps with this selection?