[mythtv-users] Want some advice on first MythTV build

[Nedim Cholich]

On 6/16/06, Troy Beneke <troy.beneke at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> In a month or so I'll be putting together a MythTV box to work in
> conjunction with my first foray into non-broadcast TV.
>
> About the only thing I currently have is a couple spare 120 GB drives and
> an old 2.4 GHz B revision P4. I'm looking to build something more quiet
> than powerful. It'll be used primarlily for the DVR functionality as well as
> MAME use. I'll know I'll be needing:
> Case (something that I can put in my living room) -
>

I bought CoolerMaster CAV-T04 for my FE on Newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119071

It's $94, very nice case, fits with the rest of AV equipment. It's not the
smallest case but has reasonably enough room for stuff. It has 2 x
5.25slots and 2 x
3.5 front slots, one extra disk slot on the side and supports both microATX
and regular ATX mobos. It's a steel case with aluminium bezel. The only
caveat is slimmer non-standard size PS that comes with it.

Mobo -
>

I'd go with socket 939 mobo that supports X2. That way you can get
inexpensive Athlon 64 today and upgrade when X2 chips become more
affordable.

RAM (not sure how much to get) -
>

2x512Mb. Most new mobos support dual channel.

Video card (thinking one of those fanless GeForce FX5200) -
> DVD burner -
> PS (thinking about a seasonic 330W) -
>

The above case comes with 350W PS which is plenty for FE but depending on
how many disks and other stuff you put in may not be enough. But then again
you won't find a case that fits nicely with AV equipment and has a
room/power for ton of stuff. That and the noise makes a lot of people go for
dedicated FE/BE setup.

Tuner card (don't have an HDTV) -
>

PVR500 absolutely!  Two tuners in one PCI slot with hardware encoding. You
wouldn't be doing yourself a favor if you go with a single tuner card. It
works great with Mythtv.

Any suggestions? Am I missing anything?
>

You forgot wireless keyboard and remote. I'd go with small RF keyboard since
IR versions tend to have distance problems. I bought BTC 9019URF at Fry's
for $40 and am very happy with it. Check out outpost.com (Fry's online
store). I also have Streamzap IR remote that works great but it's somewhat
simplistic (which may or may not be what you  want). I plan on replacing it
with an RF remote with more buttons in the near future. **
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