I’ve been looking to build a HTPC for my bedroom. Im working with a budget *cough* cheap student *cough* but i think i might have some components i can work with from my current desktop to create a decent project.
I want to be able to use my HTPC to do a few things; house all my TV recordings, record TV shows, watch my cable TV, skip commercials, House all my movies, and my music. The one thing i am concerned with is the ability to use the HTPC on my old non-hd tv. It doesnt have a VGA plug so im not sure how i would do that. Also, i know the pentium 4 isn’t dual core but i hope that hold up. Ill appreciate all feedback, recommendations, and tips. I really have only the slightest clue on where to go.
My current (somewhat dated pc):
[list]
[*]Pentium 4 1.6Ghz with 1.25gb of ram. [color=green]<- [/color][color=beige]I can upgrade this to 3.0Ghz[/color] [color=yellow]+$80[/color]
[*]nVidia Geforce Fx 5200 [color=green]<- [/color][color=beige]needs to be replaced[/color] [color=yellow]+$100-$200?[/color]
[*]Pioneer DVD+R DL burner [color=green]<- [/color][color=beige]Brand New, Would use[/color] [color=yellow]+$0[/color]
[*]580 Watt Power Supply [color=green]<- [/color][color=beige]Brand New, would use[/color] [color=yellow]+$0[/color]
[*]VIA PCI Sata 1.5gb/s card [color=green]<- [/color][color=beige]Brand New, would be my only source for sata as motherboard has no sata ports[/color] [color=yellow]+$0[/color][/list:u]
So i figure if i refer to the list on [url=http://www.missingremote.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1857&Itemid=1&limit=1&limitstart=7]Building An HTPC For $1000 Guide[/url]
[list]
[*]cpu <- upgrade to 3.0ghz for 80$
[*][color=red]Motherboard <- Save 130$[/color]
[*]cpu cooler <- would need to purchase
[*]case <- would need to purchase for around $100 hopefully
[*]Tuner <- Would need to purchase, not sure what to get ???
[*]HDD <- Would need to purchase more space, 500gb would be ideal to start
[*]video card <- Needs upgrade for around 150$ hopefully again not sure what to get ???
[*]Keyboard & Remote <- im leaning towards the Microsoft Keyboard & Remote bundle but i can use my crap keyboard and mouse for a little while
[*]Ram <- Im a little shy of ideal according to the guide, Would probably grab a gig more.
[*][color=red]DVD <- my current drive would work well[/color][/list:u].
Thanks all.
-Exit