[mythtv-users] first build, $695 - extra eyes, please

[Alex Butcher]

On Thu, 4 Jun 2009, Troy Goodson wrote:

> I'm looking to build my first rig.  I want HDMI audio/video and I want to be 
> able to play high-bitrate H.264 movies.  I plan on hooking this up to a 
> 42-inch Panasonic Plasma TV.

Right, at some point you're going to want to use VDPAU, then. VDPAU requires
a Geforce 8 series GPU or better.

> I'd really appreciate any extra eyes to give feedback on what I've listed, 
> below, particularly because I've never built a PC before and may have missed 
> something obvious.  I plan on installing MythDora and find out just how easy 
> it is :)
>
> Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-E7AUM-DS2H
> $80 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128072

This mobo only includes a Geforce 7100. I'd suggest getting a Gigabyte or
Asus-branded Intel chipset motherboard (the P45 based boards are probably
good enough if you're never planning on using the rig for gaming) and an
add-on VGA card (either a Geforce 8 or better, or something cheap for now,
then upgrade when you need to).

> Processor:  Intel E8400 Wolfdale  Core 2 Duo 3.0 GHz
> $165 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

Plenty, I suspect, even for HD. My combined SD FE/BE with three physical DVB
tuners (six virtual) was a single core Celeron 1.7GHz for ages. I only
upgraded to a £30 P4 2.53GHz from eBay to make DVD archiving run quicker.

> Cooler:  SilverStone NT07-775
> $27 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835220034

The boxed Intel CPUs come with a heatsink and fan. It'll probably be quiet
enough and certainly adequate as long as you're not planning on
overclocking. Leave this until later, if the stock cooler annoys you.

> Memory:  2GB, 240-pin DIMM, DDR2 PC2-6400 - CT25664AA800
> $27 http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=525435EDA5CA7304

Can't really go wrong with Crucial. Double check that it's on your mobo's
Compatibility/Qualified Vendor List.

> Capture: PCHDTV HD-5500 x2 (dual tuners)
> $227  http://www.pchdtv.com/hd_5500.html

I'm in the UK, so no comment.

> Drive: Hitachi 1TB Serial-ATA Hard Drive
> $70 
> http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10009440&prodlist=cj

I'd probably opt for a Western Digital right now, but everyone has their
preferences. Probably more important is to make sure that it's shipped to
you in decent packaging. I gather some US-based box shifters are appalling
in this regard.

> DVD burner: LG 22X DVD-Writer
> $22 http://www.provantage.com/lg-electronics-gh22ns30~7LGE905C.htm

I'd opt for an Sony Optiarc (ex-NEC). They have the advantage that there is
an unofficial tool which allows the firmware to be flashed from Linux.

> IR Remote + receiver:  Anyware HA-IR01SV
> $22 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16880121001

No comment; my DVB tuners include IR remotes.

> Case: Rosewill R379-SM, PSU 300W
> $55 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147098

I think the Antec NSK6580B would probably make a decent cost-effective media
centre case. If you want something slicker, there's the Silverstone range.

> Total: $695, probably a little less than that...
>
> More details at
> http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/TrogodSystem1

HTH,
Alex.