New or Refurbished Media Desktop

[Triple S]

I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on a New or Refurbished Desktop computer. I currently am using a laptop on its last leg.

I would like the desktop to have an HDMI output as I have a 42" LCD TV I use as a monitor to watch movies on etc.

I do not need a gaming video card or anything like that. Just a solid computer that would be used as a media station.

I have been looking at FutureShop's refurbs but would prefer a Intel Pentium instead of AMD.

My last desktop I created with NCIX but don't really know what to get anymore so can anyone out there help me create one?


Thanks!

[Triple S]

Bump! Please help!

[mindless_fool]

i just got a media computer the other day, went with a mac mini for the following reasons:

1) small and super quiet,
2) plex is a sweet media interface for os x and its free
3) already had a dvi to hdmi cable and i get 1080 from it, and since i got a 1.8ghz one i can do HD video on it.

so far im very impressed with it, i can always install windows since its an intel model..

hope that gives you another option to consider

[Scribs]

I recently went through the thought process, and I ended up actually going with a PS3. It can play the media just about as well as a computer can, plus it has blu-ray capabilities. I don't store my media on the PS3 though, I stream it, but I can't see why you couldn't store it there too. I'm pretty sure you can use external hard drives(?), or at least swap the internal for something much larger. It isn't as flexible as a computer, but the price point seemed really good to me for something that read blu-ray and played media.

If you do end up building something yourself, I wouldn't count out AMD. From what I can tell the AMD motherboard chipsets are the best onboard video cards you can find. The newer ones handle HD output very well, that way you get your HDMI and don't need to get a discrete graphics card. Plus, although Intel processors are much better at the top end of performance, I believe that AMD has tried to agressively price their offerings in the lower range. Lots of low power consumption, less than $100 processors out there.

Hope this helps, good luck with the search.

[jtkv]

Here's what I would want to make a usable HTPC setup that can play 1080p smoothly:

1) Require multi-core CPU (2X CPUs is enough)
2) PCI-E video card with DVI/HDMI output
3) 2GB DDR2 RAM (or more)
4) Large hard drive (500GB or more) for media storage
5) Wireless keyboard and mouse combo

Any brand or self-built PC is fine... as long as it's got the above specs.
Getting a multi-core CPU will also help give the PC a longer life cycle...


regards,
jtkv

[Triple S]

Here's what I would want to make a usable HTPC setup that can play 1080p smoothly:

1) Require multi-core CPU (2X CPUs is enough)
2) PCI-E video card with DVI/HDMI output
3) 2GB DDR2 RAM (or more)
4) Large hard drive (500GB or more) for media storage
5) Wireless keyboard and mouse combo

Any brand or self-built PC is fine... as long as it's got the above specs.
Getting a multi-core CPU will also help give the PC a longer life cycle...


regards,
jtkv

Thanks for the help! Maybe I'll just build one on NCIX.

For the other who thankfully posted. I have a Xbox 360 Connect to my network to play my media on but I hate the Xbox Media Center on the 360 and for some reason my WMP11 won't work to stream my media so I have to use TVersity and it is annoying having to refresh my library.

I have a 1 TB External Hard Drive already containing a lot (believe me A LOT) of media but will get a large HD for my computer as well.

Can anyone recommend a MOBO? Also, is there a significant difference between quad and duo core?

Thanks everyone!

[ncnmra]

I'm in the same boat here. There was a deal a while back on an Acer AX3200 slim PC from Canada Computers, and I missed the boat.

To add to your requirements, I need it to be small (stylish?) and quiet. I've been looking at the Dell Studio Hybrid PCs, but they are little pricey for my liking. I'd like to keep it no more than $400.

[Triple S]

Can anyone please help me make a computer on NCIX?

My laptop screen just gave out and its constantly over heating so I don't think I can wait anymore.

I really would wish to have an HDMI port and a Dual-Layer burner.

Doesn't need to be a gaming computer.

PLEASE HELP!