Building a cheap media station what about his spec

Psygnosis

Hi guys

Im building a media centre what do you think of the following spec. It will eventually be used to play Bluray/HDVD also wmv HD files and divx collection as well.
I already have hard drives and the O/S
this is the spec I have picked what do you think what to keep price under 350 but machine must be small black and quite


Shuttle SS21T Barebone, Black, SiS 761/966L, AM2, PCI-E, SATA, LAN


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109.00109.00
Gigabyte Radeon HD 2600 PRO 512MB GDDR2, PCI-Express, 2xDVI/HDCP, HDMI Ready


Article number: 343736
Stock status: 12 stocked
80.0180.01
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ 2.2GHz Socket AM2 1MB, BOXED w/fan


Article number: 340184
Stock status: 20 stocked
59.0059.00
OCZ Gold XTC DDR2 PC6400 2048MB KIT, w/two 1024MB PC6400 XTC, CL5-5-5-15


Article number: 320744
Stock status: 100+ stocked
45.0045.00PRF:
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293.01

zod

Just wondering what do you get extra over a PS3, now that the PS3 plays Divx and is €399?

Edit .. sorry see you want to play wmv HD files

Psygnosis

I have a 360 but I just want all my media in the one place I bought one of those hard drive media thingys but it aint as good as a pc. I'll use it for encoding etc have a 1080p TV as well so want to get the best out of that too.

Psygnosis

Think I will get this spec by this evening any one any advice before I jump on the HD boat

SouperComputer

zod wrote: »

Just wondering what do you get extra over a PS3, now that the PS3 plays Divx and is €399?

Edit .. sorry see you want to play wmv HD files

A DVR/PVR with web-based access to all content. The ability to play more than just PS'x games. Flexibility with networking & expansion. Cheap replacement parts. Also the ability to play both HD/DVD and Blu-Ray without too much messing about. Admitedly, not everyone wants this though.

@Psygnosis if you plan transcoding, especially HD content, then you will want the fattest CPU you can get. Beit retail or by overclocking. In which case you could go with a cheaper processor and OC it. Not sure how good the mobo is a OC'ing though. Other than that the setup looks good.

Personally I'd run an Nvidia card as it gives your more flexibilty if you get fed up with Windows-based software and end up running Linux. I have a dislike of Shuttle boxes, but thats just a matter of aesthetics.

What HD's do you have?

Psygnosis

Thanks for that I have a couple of WMV HD files at the moment but I plan on getting a bluray drive at a later stage. I am going to stick with purely windows vista.
So do you think I should go for it the spec ok and everything.
Will the graphics card do hdmi 5.1 sound through the car.

yoyo

Looks ok but I'd be skeptical of the CPU, all these HD Rips (Ie Matroska or WMV files) are very CPU intensive when proccessing to play so if you could stretch your budget get a higher up AMD CPU or a Core 2 Duo? Again someone may be able to assist you further, I can guarantee though HD DVD decoders are very CPU intensive

Nick

Psygnosis

I dont really mind how long a encode will take as I can leave running over night its the decode Id be worried about. I want it to be future proof should be able to play all HD material. Could you reccomend a processor that could do this ?

yoyo

Psygnosis wrote: »

I dont really mind how long a encode will take as I can leave running over night its the decode Id be worried about. I want it to be future proof should be able to play all HD material. Could you reccomend a processor that could do this ?

As I dont really watch HD movies much I'm not really too sure, A entry level Core 2 Duo would probably be a good choice, especially if coupled with a decent heatsink and overclocked . I do know a inadequate CPU could cause jerkyness/pauses or sync issiues during playback if CPU is too weak though, which wouldnt be good, I'd take opinion from someone who does use their pc as a HD Rip player as they may have better info for ya!

Nick

Psygnosis

Yeah thanks for that I am going to stick with AMD if I can to save money and also the box Im gona buy is designed for them I think by looking at it should be fine but Ill hang on and wait for others to come.

Thanks for your help though