[BlueBomber]

Hey everybody.


So I just completed my new Core i7 build (pretty huge upgrade from my old P4 PC).


Anyways. I was initially going to simply sell my old PC, but now I'm interested in converting the thing into an HTPC.


Here are the current specs –

• Intel Pentium 4 2.4 GHz
• ASUS P4800D-X mobo
• 2.50GB DDR RAM
• Radeon 9550 AGP Video Card
• Antec 400W PSU
• Two Western Digital 500GB Hard Drives

I’m interested in possibly adding a TV Tuner Card later on for DVR purposes, but for right now all I really want to achieve is streaming shows/movies to my 47” Olevia 747i 1080p LCD via MediaPortal ( I fell in love ever since I saw this ), and have them look at least decent.


I also have a copy of Vista Ultimate and XP Pro available for use as the OS.

MY MAIN QUESTION(s):

• What is the major bottleneck in my set up right now?
• Can this setup handle HD streaming via MediaPortal with the StreamedMP skin?
• Can this setup even output good quality HD content?
• Are there any higher quality, cool, slick looking HTPC cases out there, preferably around ~$100?
• 5.1 Surround Audio card suggestions?

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

 

[steven975]

The bottleneck is definitely the CPU...if it is Hyperthreaded that is better. It should be able to handle streaming...as long as no on-the-fly transcoding is required. Recording HDTV doesn't require a lot of CPU power at all, so I think you're fine there.

 

[hirent]



Quote:
MY MAIN QUESTION(s):

• What is the major bottleneck in my set up right now?
• Can this setup handle HD streaming via MediaPortal with the StreamedMP skin?
• Can this setup even output good quality HD content?
• Are there any higher quality, cool, slick looking HTPC cases out there, preferably around ~$100?
• 5.1 Surround Audio card suggestions?

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

I guess you mean to ask, can this be converted into a HD HTPC; right?

I have a P4 2.4 GHz HT (800 FSB) & a P4 3.06 GHz (533 FSB) which I use to play Blu-Ray movies. You just need a AGP HD card capable of decoding HD video. I use the Visiontek AGP HD2400 video cards in both my setups and they both work fine. My displays are 1360x768 (720p TV) and 1680x1050 (LCD monitor).


[1] The bottleneck is the CPU and AGP slot; although as I mentioned above you can get a AGP HD card and play back HD videos. Simply streaming HD videos shouldn't be a problem even with the older card. What will you use to play these?

[2] Don't know

[3] Yes, it is possible.

[4] Here's a case that I use; MCE303 . It is much cheaper compared to other cases with similar features. It is very stylish, has a front-panel VFD with an IR receiver which works with any RC6 MCE Remote Control. It only takes micro-ATX boards and low-profile cards.

[5] Your motherboard has onboard 5.1 sound. Why spend more money?