New SFF system

[richjmaynard]

I've already posted about this on the kustompcs.co.uk forums (and at sudhian, come to think of it - but I like to know what's what before I splash the cash!) but thought I'd like some more opinions:

Hi all,

I'm about to build my first (modern) system, and I've decided I'd like to make it an SFF machine.

I haven't made up my mind on a lot of things yet - and still need more info on some of these new fangled DDR memory things etc (!)

I'm thinking:

Shuttle SB61G2 / SB62G2 / Biostar Ideq 200T (coming soon!)

P4 2.8 Ghz with HT

1024 Mb RAM - any suggestions for this gratefully received! 1x1024? 2x512Mb? Matched pair? Crucial? Corsair? ECC? Help!

Sapphire ATi Radeon card - 9600PRO - I was going to go for the Ultimate (fanless, I think) for noise reasons but I'm reliably informed it's not a good idea in a Shuttle because of the restricred airflow...

120 Gb SATA HD - makes?

DVD writer - suggestions? The Pioneer 106 looks popular.

15" TFT monitor to be used alongside 28" widescreen TV - suggestions again?

Gyration Ultra keyboard and gyroscopic mouse

Maybe Nebula PCI freeview TV card, later!

This means onboard sound, but via SPDIF into my new Marantz 4300 (on order)


I want to use it for DVDs, DIVx, HTPC duties, and to play Max Payne 2 when it comes out ;-)

Any suggestions gratefully received!

Rich.

[Gunbuster]

The recieved wisdom seems to be Maxtor for hard disks here, though I would seriously consider a Samsung for the silence thingy. As for a TFT if you are on a budget Comet are phasing out a Sony 15" TFT for £190 that normally retails for £270. Although its down to whether your local store has one. I use a Samsung 172b at home and its great so a 152t/b would be nice or even a 172w (widescreen 17") would be nice . Also I would be interested to hear how you get on outputing to a widescreen aspect. Last and not least check out www.myhtpc.com if you want nice media box software.

[richjmaynard]

Originally posted by Gunbuster
Also I would be interested to hear how you get on outputing to a widescreen aspect.

I was planning on using Powerstrip to set up a widescreen aspect ratio for the TV. I think the ATI board will support it, but my existing equipment is so old I can't test it!

Rich.

[Gunbuster]

I think my dream would be to have either a TV with a VGA socket or somesort of adapter with overscan and aspect options.

[danielctull]

I have to agree that the Samsung's are my favourite range of monitors. Got the 152T sitting here and it is beautiful. Unfortunately the price of 15"ers seems to have risen due the popularity and them not making enough of them to satisfy such popularity.