Revamping my pathetic setup (2 Viewers)

[coldzero0]

I would like to substantially improve my HTPC. I have a system up and running at the moment but with no Television.

this is my current setup... more or less my old desktop with a few add-ons + a new display


AMD Athlon XP 2500+
1.83 ghz
512RAM
NVIDIA GeForce4 TI 4200 w AGP8X
external Creative soundblaster card (via USB,,,,i bought it for my laptop)
TDK DVDRW0404N

300gb Maxtor external hard rive +an old 40gb and 75gb onboard

Some generic wireless keyboard n mouse

Display:
WESTINGHOUSE 42" 1080p LCD Monitor LVM-42W2

I am happy with my current case

unsure about the PSU

I would like to up the overall performance of the machine but would also really like to be able to watch OTA HD. (I currently have no tv tuner or antenna )

I currently only have 2 USB ports on the back which are being taken up by the Maxtor drive and the Soundblaster. I would like to get an internal soundcard but only need it for the SPDIF to my receiver.

I have no Remote


I am unsure about the order in which i should be purchasing things...i have about 400$ saved up right now... Does anyone have any suggestions about what i can keep from this setup and what i should upgrade?

any help would be much appreciated

 

[BoelShit]

I should definately upgrade the graphics card to a newer one. The Ti4200 doesn't support dx9 so a lot off stress is done on your CPU.

A Fx5200 does wonders and if you want to spend a little more go for a better model (if possible passive cooled -> less noice)

For a SPDIF card there are some low cost solution like a simple Creative card. Won't cost much either.

If you're planning to use MP more and more a remote is a thing worth it's money. Go for the MCE remote, cheap and works great with MP too.

For HD I don't really know cause I'm not using MP for tv atm...

 

[Elf]

Be careful of choosing an FX5200 card if you want to watch HD content - it doesn't support purevideo or hardware HD decode. I think the Geforce 6600 is the lowest-spec card that does.

 

[Paranoid Delusion]

Treat yourself to a usb pci card can be picked up for 8-10 uk pounds or less and the 4 extra ports can be really usefull.
As far as a TVcard goes you need to be Country specific (big World).
Remote supplied with TV card should be usb, not plugged into the TV card, that alone can save you money, and give you flexibility.

More options available, but how far do you want to change your system, again Country specific.

8)

 

[coldzero0]

Thanks for all the replies sofar.

I am willing to upgrade about anything aslong as i can keep it under 4-500$


I live in the United States.

 

[Tech Geek]

https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/viewtopic.php?t=16561

 

[gxtracker]

Hey, whats so pathetic about your current setup? It's almost identical to mine! :lol:

If you're only using SPDIF, dont worry about an internal soundcard. all it will do is take up more space, generate more heat, and force another set of drivers to be installed.

The TI4200 would be the first thing on my chopping block. if you're going the full HD route, then like Elf said, a 6600 is the lowest spec GPU that will handle full purevideo acceleration - and if you're running a 2500+, you'll need all the extra horsepower you can get for HD.

Other than that, just grab an OTA HD tuner that is supported by MP, and you should be good to go. My setup is almost identical, except I have a 5200. HD content is ok - the box can playback 720p and 1080i content just fine, its when you start moving into the 1080p catagory that I start getting stutters and syncing issues with the audio/video

 

[coldzero0]

update

Well I picked up some stuff

yesterday i picked :
ATI Rdeon X1600 Pro 512
PCI 4Port USB Card
MCE Remote
and a bit more ram


still have to get an HD Tuner and Antenna.

I played F.E.A.R. Last night and it looked great almost the highest settings and ran well.

Thanks for all the help guys I'll keep you updated on my progress

-shawn

 

[Vergo]

say coldzero0, what motherboard are u using?
If it's one with nvidia nforce² chipset, you won't need an external soundcard as most of them have Soundstorm.. Soundstorm equals soundblaster 2 quality when using spdif + has support for AC3 decoding; it's an awesome chipset

 

[Brocklander]

I was going to buy an older Shuttle box to get a Soundstorm MB, but the only real advantage Soundstorm seemed to have was passing through surround sound from games over SPDIF, normal MB's just throw out two channels from games.