Good upgrades for my Media Center PC?

[Hitman]

Originally Posted by gvblake22

I guess I just keep getting stuck on the "media center" in the title. I just can't see putting an 8800 in a "media center" PC...

Oh I agree totaly. When I think Media Center PC I think ATI AIW.

[polobunny]

Originally Posted by Hitman

Oh I agree totaly. When I think Media Center PC I think ATI AIW.

Same here. I think it's more of a killer HTPC/gaming PC he wants to hook up on his TV and sound system though. :P

[Hitman]

Originally Posted by polobunny

Same here. I think it's more of a killer HTPC/gaming PC he wants to hook up on his TV and sound system though. :P

He would still be better off with an ATI card then. I am an nVidia Fanboy, but ATI cards are better for connecting to TV's, and all Multi Media duties, and especially connecting to a TV.

[gvblake22]

I think it's about time WhiteEagle chimed in and better defined his primary and secondary uses for us

[WhiteEagle]

Originally Posted by gvblake22

What does your case look like inside. I doubt a 8800GTX would even fit in there as they are longer than the motherboard. Even an 8800GTS might not work... A 7600GT might be more bang for your buck, what resolution you running?

I'm running a 1280 x 1024 on a analogue connection currently on my Viewsonic VX924 2ms LCD. I want to go digital so I need a card with DVI output.

The primary use is everyday computing: finances, business, watching TV and DVDs, etc...
The secondary use is gaming: I will be doing CSS, and I currently do Acclaim's Re-Volt, Zoo Tycoon, The Sims, and Scorched 3D to name a few.

WhiteEagle

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by WhiteEagle

I'm running a 1280 x 1024 on a analogue connection currently on my Viewsonic VX924 2ms LCD. I want to go digital so I need a card with DVI output.

The primary use is everyday computing: finances, business, watching TV and DVDs, etc...
The secondary use is gaming: I will be doing CSS, and I currently do Acclaim's Re-Volt, Zoo Tycoon, The Sims, and Scorched 3D to name a few.

WhiteEagle

Cool. Unless you plan on getting a 24" LCD when you upgrade, there is no sense in spending such an outragious amount of money on an 8800. If you are an nVidia fan, you'll be better off with a midrange 7600 or 7900. If you prefer the image quality and features of ATI, then an X1650 or X1950 will do you well

[WhiteEagle]

Great to hear that. What about the 750GB Harddrive? Is that overkill as well? I do record TV programs.

[stinger608]

Originally Posted by WhiteEagle

Great to hear that. What about the 750GB Harddrive? Is that overkill as well? I do record TV programs.

If you are planing to upgrade real soon, then no, you can get a couple of 320's for a ton cheaper than one 750. Of course 2 320's will not be quite as much space, but none the less it will still be 640gb's of drive!

Now then, if you are planing on doing the upgrade, say, in 4 to 6 months from now, then the 750gb drive will most likely be the way to go.

The reason for the now and then difference, is the manufactures of hard drives are currently in development of the 1 TB hard drives, so the price should drop considerably within the next 6 months or so on the 750gb drives.

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

I agree with stinger. Opt for 320GBs, which run a little under $100. The ATI card is the best idea too.

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by wtcnbrwndo4u

I agree with stinger. Opt for 320GBs, which run a little under $100.

Agreed. 320GB is A LOT of space. You'd probably be best off just getting one 320GB drive and seeing how it works out for ya, then just get another if you find you need more space.