Finally ! what about this configuration ?

[Pisassi]

Hi all

I have been sitting on the side lines for a long while as a non-member, and now I'm pretty much ready to move on my own HTPC. I've read a lot of articles, here and elsewhere, and whilst I consider myself pretty technical (mor in the software side though), I'm finding putting the 'pieces' together for a current HTPC quiet - well - challenging.

Still: Here's what I came up with, hopefully I'm not too off the mark:

My Requirements:
- View Optus Analog and Digital FTA (I know - there's a hack I need to do...)
- Ideally * Record either of the above, whilst viewing either of the above.
- Important: To connect to my early generation HD Plasma TV (I think 1200x1200 resolution - I know - not 'pure' HD) via DVI.
- To act as a Server for home pics/ripped movies, with the intention of streaming these to another TV over media extender device
- silent everything !

ShoppingList:

Motherboard: GA-P35-DS3P (1333mhz FSB)
CPU: INTEL CORE2 DUO E6850 3.00GHZ
Case: ZALMAN HD160XT PLUS
PSU: GTR SUPER SILENT 450W PSU
Memory: Corsair 2GB (2 x 1GB) 1066MHz DDR2 RAM.
Graphics: Leadtek*GeForce 8600GT - 512MB DDR2, 128-bit, 2x DVI, HDTV (need on-
board encoding power)
OS: Vista (SP1) Home Premium 32bit

HardDrives: 72000rpm SATA - What's a good silent brand ? Western Digital ?
TV-Tuners: I need 2 - What's good ? Haupagge seems very popular.

So I think I'm nearly there. I'de love a sanity check on my basic configuration first.

Then, I need to decide on good hard drives (I'll be putting in 1 for the O/S, then 2 in RAID for the other Data), plus, the TV Tuners I need to but. Some suggestions here welcome too.

Thanks a lot - ...
Pisassi

[Carlossal]

Thats a dam good list so far Pisassi.

I have 2 x 500GB Samsung HD500LJ drives n my MC and they are very quiet and fast eh

If you were looking for just a twin digital tuner I would have said the Haupppage Nova T-500 (twin Digital tuner). But since you need Analogue and digital you need either of these 2it depends on your budget.

Either the Pinnacle 3010X PCTV Dual DVB-T Hybrid Pro - PCI Express card
or
AVerTV Duo Hybrid PCI-E

By the way if you are getting the Leadtek 8600GT try to get the heat pipe passive cooler version - one less fan to work about.

Happy shopping

[jvesey]

Make sure you get a GPU with DDR3 memory. DDR2 works but having looked at reviews they all recommend DDR3.

8600GT DDR3 256/512 or ATI2600ZT (onboard audio trhu hdmi via dongle)

HDDs - WD SE16 - quietest 500GB on the market according to SilentPCReview

TV Card - AverDuo - Dual Analog/Digital - you may be able to get 2 streams working via registry hacks - good luck!!

Would recommend a Corsair 620W psu - a deritive of the Seasonic brand apparently.

[simbot82]

thats pretty beastly. leaving room for some gaming??

[dwebkombi]

Hi,
Nice build list...
I am using that mother board with two DVT1000 tuner cards.
These cards have an analog input for foxtel /optus.

I am really happy with the performance of these tuners, only downside is they do use up 2 slots.

I am also running 3x samsung 400 g drives, they are really quiet

[Pisassi]

Guys

thanks for all the replies. (Nice to see I haven't gone too wrong !).

Really appreciate it.

Now to go shopping, and put it together.

Cheers

[simbot82]

how is it going/how did it go Pisassi?