I want to build a media unit to hook up to my TV/HT to store/view pictures, store/watch movies, store/listen to music, etc. I need a list of components, and maybe some recommendations. I've never built a computer before, so this is a learning experience. Here's what I figure I need so far:
casemotherboardprocessor - speed?HDD (500g +)RAM OS optical drivesound card video cardperipheral portscard readerwireless/Bluetooth cardBlue tooth mouse/keyboard
What am I missing? Am I better off just buying a pre-fab?
Help Building a Media Unit
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MinisterofDOOM
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Re: Help Building a Media Unit (NY94J30)
For media purposes, you may indeed be able to find a prefab to fit your needs. You don't need anything special in the video card department. You'll probably want to shift some of the cost saved there toward a top-end sound card.You'll probably be able to do more for less if you don't go prefab, though.
Processor speed could depend on a few things right now.What OS are you planning on running?Vista (depending on package) comes with some good meda tools.Of you could go with XP Media edition.XP could get by with a much slower CPU. I would go with a 2.2ghz or faster single core for XP, and a lower-end Core Duo for Vista.
Do you want video capture abilities? For a media PC, I'd suggest getting a video card with built in TV tuner and TV-in (like ATI's TV Wonder).
RAM...RAM is CHEAP these days. I'd go with 1gig, bare miminum. If you're running Vista, don't go under 2 gigs.
Optical drive...If you're going to be doing a lot of burning, DON'T get a combo drive. It's much faster and more convenient to be able to record straight from one drive to another. You can afford to "cheap out" on one drive since you only need one of them to have good record features. Not that any optical drive is all that expensive any more.
Since you're already thinking ahead about your card reader, you might want to go with an internal solution. Card readers that fit in 3.5 inch drive bays are extremely cheap (under $20 easy).
With a media PC, bluetooth can be nice (I'd never go with it on a gaming PC, though). If you're willing to spend some serious money in the desktop department, you might want to consider the new Logitech MX Air, which is specifically designed for exactly the type of system you're building. It's an optical mouse that also has motion sensing so you can use it away from the desk. Basically it gives you a TV remote/Wii Remote for your PC. Could be nice if you plan on watching movies on the PC from somewhere other than the desk chair. It is INSANELY expensive for a mouse, though ($150).
Processor speed could depend on a few things right now.What OS are you planning on running?Vista (depending on package) comes with some good meda tools.Of you could go with XP Media edition.XP could get by with a much slower CPU. I would go with a 2.2ghz or faster single core for XP, and a lower-end Core Duo for Vista.
Do you want video capture abilities? For a media PC, I'd suggest getting a video card with built in TV tuner and TV-in (like ATI's TV Wonder).
RAM...RAM is CHEAP these days. I'd go with 1gig, bare miminum. If you're running Vista, don't go under 2 gigs.
Optical drive...If you're going to be doing a lot of burning, DON'T get a combo drive. It's much faster and more convenient to be able to record straight from one drive to another. You can afford to "cheap out" on one drive since you only need one of them to have good record features. Not that any optical drive is all that expensive any more.
Since you're already thinking ahead about your card reader, you might want to go with an internal solution. Card readers that fit in 3.5 inch drive bays are extremely cheap (under $20 easy).
With a media PC, bluetooth can be nice (I'd never go with it on a gaming PC, though). If you're willing to spend some serious money in the desktop department, you might want to consider the new Logitech MX Air, which is specifically designed for exactly the type of system you're building. It's an optical mouse that also has motion sensing so you can use it away from the desk. Basically it gives you a TV remote/Wii Remote for your PC. Could be nice if you plan on watching movies on the PC from somewhere other than the desk chair. It is INSANELY expensive for a mouse, though ($150).
Re: Help Building a Media Unit (MinisterofDOOM)
The suggestions are great, thanks. I thought a build to stay away from all the superfluous add-ons on pre-fabs. This will not be a desktop setup, I use my laptop there, this will be in my living room hooked up to my 42 inch plasma - a dedicated media setup, as well as internet and other minor computing. The Bluetooth is necessary then, since I'll be out of range for a USB wireless setup. I'm not at all familiar with Vista, and I was thinking XP at this point with at least 2 gigs RAM, since 1 doesn't run my XP lap top that well. I am sill trying to figure out whether I'll need/want to integrate a TV tuner - I'm reading about them now.
Any suggestions on where to find pre-fabs? I've looked at Tigerdirect, NewEgg and the like.
EDIT: Any opinion on this for a box to start with?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...01034
Modified by NY94J30 at 10:43 PM 9/8/2007
Any suggestions on where to find pre-fabs? I've looked at Tigerdirect, NewEgg and the like.
EDIT: Any opinion on this for a box to start with?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...01034
Modified by NY94J30 at 10:43 PM 9/8/2007