Help building media PC, please.

[jmebonner]

I want to be able to watch dvds, listen to mp3s, watch tv, all that jazz. I already have an a7n8x dlx with on-board sound of good quality, 512 mb pc 2700 mushkin, a 64 gb Hitachi 7200 rpm hdd, a 52x burner. I also have an aiw 8500 in this computer which I'd be willing to put in the media center so I can watch tv. I've also got some Logitech Z-560s I'd like to usefor sound.

So...I suppose I need a case, a dvd drive, a processor, and what else?
Please advise on a cool inexpensive case that wouldn't look out of place on an entertainment center, what speed processor I should choose, and what more I need.

Also, how can I hook up other componets to be added later? I'd like to leave open the option of adding a receiver or something at some point. Do I have the capability of surround with the componets I already have?

Thx!!!

edit: And how does it hook up to the tv, (eventually a 36") through s-video?

[jmichna]

The only thing I can comment on is the DVD... if you want a burner, Plextor's 708A is about the best thing out right now (DVD burn@8X), decent S/W bundle, and right around $200-210 (got one as a gift from Newegg about 4 weeks ago for $213). I know you can by cheaper, but this thing is solid. I installed one rec'd as a Christmas gift... even U/G'ed the firmware with no prob. Does an excellent job burning CDs and DVDs... and handles both -R and +R DVD formats.

[jmebonner]

jm, I don't think I'll be putting a dvdrw in the media pc, as I have one in my main rig. I question even putting the cdrw in there. I may just go for a decent dvd-r. I may look at that burner as an upgrade for my current one tho.

[jmichna]

IMO, good TBred or Barton running at XP1800 or higher would be a fine CPU for what you want to do... so CPU should not run you more than roughly $50-90.

Thing I would concentrate on is making this system as silent as possible... Papst case fans, quiet power supply... whatever that brand of very quiet heat sinks (escapes me right now... the spreading fan configuration... Zalman, maybe), noise insulation for the case....

A lot of the newer digital media (cam corders, etc.) are firewire... so go that route re case connections and mobo.

[HeadBand]

a media pc you might want another larger harddrive for storage

i would also recomend getting a better video card if you can afford it and yes get one with s-video

as for a case you might concider a desktop as it will fit nicely in an entertainment center

[jmebonner]

I agree on the processor part. I'm looking at the antec overture for a case. It has psu and fans included. It's $100 but the reviews are pretty good. It's a slim desktop w/ a gloss piano black finish.

I believe my 8500 is sufficient, as i won't be doing hdtv or anything like that, although I could be wrong

[Starfury_2260]

i'd recommend liteon for the dvd drive.