New HTPC build. Please can someone help?

[Chippy]

Hi,

I wonder if you anyone can help me? I am looking to buy or build an HTPC based on a Pentium "M" processor.

I have built perhaps 10 or 20 PC's over the years, so I know what I am doing, but I haven't built an HTPC previously, so I have lots of questions.

OK, so here's what I had in mind (and the questions / concerns):

Strata 390 case with Silenx <14dBa PSU
ASUS SKT478 P4P800-VM
Asus CPU upgrade Kit cT-479
Pentium "M" M760J 2.0GHz, 2MB cache
1 GB DDR
DVD writer
Circa 300GB of Disk
Radeon 9600XT graphics card
I don't need a soundcard - I am fitting a Lynx Studio Two
Wireless keyboard and mouse
Windows Media Center

Questions:

1. What ram do you recommend?
2. What DVD writer do you recommend - its needs to fit the Strata case, of course. And it must have a region-free firmware hack available.
3. I need Wireless (54G) capability too - can I fit a card in the box? Which one? Or should I go with an external USB option.
4. Wireless keyboard and mouse - which one do you recommend?
5. How loud is the 9600XT? Can I fit a VGA Silencer or similar? Will it fit in the Strata Case?

The alternative is that I buy a Moore Medio PC, but thats around £2k. I am trying to weigh up the pros and cons.

Thanks - I really appreciate your help.

Cheers

Chip

[six5tring]

Hiya,

Welcome to the forums.

By strata 390.. you mean Claritas 390M?

Sorry for being a little harsh possibly on some of these answers.. also I reccomend using the lovely search facility at the top to see all recent posts about HTPC's.

1. What ram do you recommend?

What RAM do you normally use! I'm a crucial man if you don't plan to over clock etc. Different people favour different brands.

2. What DVD writer do you recommend - its needs to fit the Strata case, of course. And it must have a region-free firmware hack available.

Make I don't know.. however choose one that you can set the speeds up on it so you can get it nice and quiet

3. I need Wireless (54G) capability too - can I fit a card in the box? Which one? Or should I go with an external USB option.

If you have space put on inside.. if not USB

4. Wireless keyboard and mouse - which one do you recommend?

Why not have a look at the gyration kit if you going HTPC --> http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/info_3026.html

5. How loud is the 9600XT? Can I fit a VGA Silencer or similar? Will it fit in the Strata Case?

You could always get the 9600xt ultimate (the a passive version!) more info --> http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/info_5389.html

You should be able to get everything in. Why not e-mail sales@kustom.co.uk and ask them for a quote to build the system your after! What HTPC software are you planning to use? WMCE2005, Myth, Meedio ect ect

six