Build a MCE PC - help me fill in the blanks!
Howdy - i've decided to build a Media Centre 2005 (WinXP) PC after seeing one in action last weekend..
Here's what i've got so far:
- MSI nForce 4 MS-7125 Std (skt939) PCI-E Motherboard (25 quid new)
- 512mb of DDR RAM (freebie)
- 64MB PCI-E NVIDIA NVS280 VGA (ULGA) (had this lying around might need to change?) (freebie)
- Athlon 64 3700+ (25 quid new)
- 550Watt el-cheapo PSU (18 quid new) [yes it will probably burn down my house]
Here's what I think I need:
- A case - i'd like a HTPC style case but i don't want to spend buttloads on it (look at my other costs!). I don't need fancy-pants displays but I would like a box to fix the motherboard and sit under the telly on my (large) AV rack. Quiet would be a good thing..
- TV tuners - this is the one confusing me (a lot). I want to be able to record at least 2 channels from freeview (digital). I don't think I need MPEG encoding therefore? I'd like the cards to work with Vista MC too if possible. Can I have more than 2 channel recording? Dual tuner card or two single tuner cards?
- A MCE remote/reciever (suggestions?).
And now to throw a real spanner into the works - I have a SD TV, it's a CRT and it only has RGB Scart or component input.. I do plan to get a new telly (HD LCD) later on though. I can imagine it's really good fun trying to get the telly bit setup with my current set..
Any help appreciated - i've never built a MCE PC before :)