Matthew Todd
Second Unit
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2000
- Messages
- 338
I'm ready to buy an inexpensive HTPC and this is what I'm thinking of putting in it right now. What do you think? Would you change anything?
I'm going to be using this to drive an Ampro 2000D 7" CRT front projector for video (bandwidth of 56kHz) and an Onkyo TX-DS656 for audio (DD only, no DTS capability yet).
This is what I'm thinking so far:
Processor/Motherboard: Duron 800Mhz and compatible Mobo
Memory: 256 MB SDRam (Crucial or Kingston)
HD: 40 GB 5400 RPM (Western Digital, Maxtar, or Fujitsu)
Video Card: Radeon VE
Sound Card: SB Live Value II (4830 or 4832)
DVD-Rom: Toshiba 12x
OS: Win 98 SE
Do you see any compatibility problems here or anything else I should consider?
I am planning on using the Theatertek software player and need something that is going to provide SPDIF digital output for the Onkyo receiver.
I was considering using a SB Live 5.1 until I learned that generally it will not do SPDIF digital out. The digital output is out of spec on its voltage. I've been told that the Value II (4830 or 4832) does not have this problem. Can anyone confirm this?
I'm not building this myself, but I have a friend who will do this for $675. Of course it also comes with a keyboard, mouse and 3.5" disk drive, etc.
Anything else I should consider, or is this going to work well?
I could get DDR Ram for $50.00 more if it would help. I could change from a Duron 800 to an Athlon 800 for about $15 more if it would help.
Anyone know anything about the ATI Expert video card? It would save me about $35 over the Radeon VE. I was told it has the same hardware DVD decoding as the Radeon.
Just looking for approval before I make it final!
Thanks,
Matt
I'm going to be using this to drive an Ampro 2000D 7" CRT front projector for video (bandwidth of 56kHz) and an Onkyo TX-DS656 for audio (DD only, no DTS capability yet).
This is what I'm thinking so far:
Processor/Motherboard: Duron 800Mhz and compatible Mobo
Memory: 256 MB SDRam (Crucial or Kingston)
HD: 40 GB 5400 RPM (Western Digital, Maxtar, or Fujitsu)
Video Card: Radeon VE
Sound Card: SB Live Value II (4830 or 4832)
DVD-Rom: Toshiba 12x
OS: Win 98 SE
Do you see any compatibility problems here or anything else I should consider?
I am planning on using the Theatertek software player and need something that is going to provide SPDIF digital output for the Onkyo receiver.
I was considering using a SB Live 5.1 until I learned that generally it will not do SPDIF digital out. The digital output is out of spec on its voltage. I've been told that the Value II (4830 or 4832) does not have this problem. Can anyone confirm this?
I'm not building this myself, but I have a friend who will do this for $675. Of course it also comes with a keyboard, mouse and 3.5" disk drive, etc.
Anything else I should consider, or is this going to work well?
I could get DDR Ram for $50.00 more if it would help. I could change from a Duron 800 to an Athlon 800 for about $15 more if it would help.
Anyone know anything about the ATI Expert video card? It would save me about $35 over the Radeon VE. I was told it has the same hardware DVD decoding as the Radeon.
Just looking for approval before I make it final!
Thanks,
Matt