Media Centre PC

[pmanson]

Hi All,

I know this has been discussed many times before (and i've probably asked these questions before) but as time moves on increasingly quickly in the computer world I need some help!

Price permitting (and how big my bonus is this month) i'm considering building/buying a Media Centre PC to sit in our lounge (which is currently being decorated).

I'll need it to do the following:

1) MP3 Server
2) DVD Server
3) Run Outlook
4) General Web Surfing

I won't need it to record TV as we have a V+ box and it won't need wireless as i've just installed a couple of CAT5 runs from the router to the corner where my Amp is.

Connection wise it'll need to connect to the Amp (Coax?) and to the TV (Tosh 32WL66)from which i've run an HDMI lead so I guess I need an DVI to HDMI adapter?

It doesn't need to do anything hugely intensive (no gaming) so i'm guessing a Core 2 Duo processer and a couple of Gig of RAM?

OS wise i'd like to give Window's Vista a try and asthetics are important to SWMBO so we'd like a case that will fit in with our other black hifi equipment.

Budget is about £500 - Is it possible?


Thanks,
Phill

[Plotloss]

Case will be best part of £100, leaves £400 for the bits.

Possible but tight.

[pmanson]

Plotloss said:

Case will be best part of £100, leaves £400 for the bits.

Possible but tight.

I may be able to free up a bit more cash but what's to stop me buying say a small form Dell for about £400 then using that?

It would be running Vista etc, have plenty of room for upgrades and although the fans may be a bit noisy I could change them for quieter ones.

Ok it's not the nicest box to look at but as it'll be tucked in a corner out of the way (with plenty of room for ventilation though) it won't too much of an issue.

Edited by pmanson on Monday 20th August 13:51

[rsv gone!]

I've used a Shuttle PC which as onboard sound and video (both perfectly adequate). It was £140 to which you need to add processor, RAM, HD and DVD-R. (I don't record TV).

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/115836/rb/0

I was looking at options for Oggs and we found this tidy unit from ebuyer;

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/128368

Another less expensive option was;

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/123032

[pmanson]

rsv gone! said:

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/123032

That looks like just the job!

So ok I could just add a DVD-RW drive (I have one here sat in a USB caddy which I could use), HD (cheap as chips now), 2 Gig of RAM, Vista OS and off I go.

Well I expect it isn't quite that easy but it sounds good in theory!

[rsv gone!]

For more info

http://forums.ebuyer.com/showthread.php?t=665