Potential Media Center Build

[WhiteEagle]

As this rig is getting on towards 3 years old and is suffering from BSODs, I'm going to build a new Media Center system to replace it. Here's my list of parts that I've selected (Prices are in CAD unless marked with a *):

From Staples:

• OS: Vista Home Premium - $249.00

From NCIX.com:

• Case: Silverstone LC-18S-V64 - $669.99
• HD: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200.11 - $270.59 (can't go wrong)
• Optcical #1: LG GGC-H20L Blu-ray/HD-DVD/DVD Drive - $239.99
• Videocard: EVGA 8600GT - $129.99
• CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 - $269.99 (can't go wrong)
• Motherboard: Asus P5E3 Deluxe/WIFI-AP - $349.99
• CPU Cooler: Zalman CNPS9700NT - $72.59
• TV Tuner Card: Hauppauge HVR-1600 - $129.99
• Mouse: Logitech G5 - $59.99
• Keyboard: Logitech G15 - $78.54
• Memory: Corsair XMS3 2GB - $429.99
• PSU: PCP&C 510W - $227.61
• Soundcard: Auzentech X-Fi Prelude - $199.99
• Optical #2: LG Black CD/DVD Combo - $30.95

From Logitech.com:

• Remote Control: Logitech Harmony 890 - $499.99*

From usb-uirt.com:

• IR Blaster: USB UIRT - $58.00* (after $8* shipping)

Grand total: ~$4169.61 after GST

What do you think of this configuration? It will take me a while to save up for but it is worth it. I will run Snapstream's BeyondTV on it for TV watching (via satellite TV).

[Capper]

Skip that OS....get one of us in the US to get you an OEM version from Newegg or something and save $150

[RAID]

btw, vista ultimate comes w/ media center

[MontanaFX]

OMG $700 for a case and $500 for a remote. Thats no compromise at its bank busting finest. Should be the ultimate setup once its finished though.

Not sure if your into gaming, coz you have a G5 & G15 on the list but only a 8600gt. Maybe it would b worth splashing a bit more cash and getting a 8800gt coz thats the only ingredient missing to give a highly capable gaming system.

[azianai]

white eagle, it pains me to see you paying that much for your components man.
I'll pick up a quad for you for 200+tax here so its like 218. And i can order a home premium from the egg for like 100 i think. Bestbuy just had the 1tb seagate you listed for 190 here last week, i picked one up last week, microcenter's got the WD 1TB Green power OEM only 16mb buffer for 195 if you want me to grab that too. Frys.com has the retail version for 199.99. I'd be willing to ship all this stuff up to you via USPS Global Priority which shouldn't cost that much (still be cheaper than you buying that stuff at the price)

[WhiteEagle]

Originally Posted by Capper

Skip that OS....get one of us in the US to get you an OEM version from Newegg or something and save $150

Would be a good idea. Thanks!

Originally Posted by RAID

btw, vista ultimate comes w/ media center

Not interested in some of the business features of it, and don't need 'em to boot.

Originally Posted by MontanaFX

OMG $700 for a case and $500 for a remote. Thats no compromise at its bank busting finest. Should be the ultimate setup once its finished though.

Not sure if your into gaming, coz you have a G5 & G15 on the list but only a 8600gt. Maybe it would b worth splashing a bit more cash and getting a 8800gt coz thats the only ingredient missing to give a highly capable gaming system.

8600GT is good on cooling, remember the size of the case. 8800GT would heat the case up way too fast. Besides a 8600GT is good enough for the games I play: CivCity: Rome and Age of Mythology: Titans Expansion to name two of them.

Originally Posted by azianai

white eagle, it pains me to see you paying that much for your components man.
I'll pick up a quad for you for 200+tax here so its like 218. And i can order a home premium from the egg for like 100 i think. Bestbuy just had the 1tb seagate you listed for 190 here last week, i picked one up last week, microcenter's got the WD 1TB Green power OEM only 16mb buffer for 195 if you want me to grab that too. Frys.com has the retail version for 199.99. I'd be willing to ship all this stuff up to you via USPS Global Priority which shouldn't cost that much (still be cheaper than you buying that stuff at the price)

Thanks for the offer mate! I may just have to consider it, but first I have to save up the cash. Like I said in the OP:

Originally Posted by WhiteEagle

It will take me a while to save up for but it is worth it.

[azianai]

could always go for an aftermarket cooler on the GT that wont heat up the case.
or even a 8800GT 256 meg version. If you're gettin the 8600, as a primary media center PC, i'd get the ATI 3850 personally.

[Parker]

Originally Posted by azianai

could always go for an aftermarket cooler on the GT that wont heat up the case.
or even a 8800GT 256 meg version. If you're gettin the 8600, as a primary media center PC, i'd get the ATI 3850 personally.

Or consider the 8800GS.

[WhiteEagle]

Also, the more expensive I make it, the longer I have to put up with the this old BSODing computer.

[azianai]

hehehe. Well like i said, i can front the $$ on the USA Side for ordering, i'll ship it out to you when you get the $$ to me with no issues.