My HTPC spec

[Bigmaz]

For my first PC build, I have built a HTPC with the following spec. I was on a tight budget with it. Is it a decent spec, or will it struggle with some tasks? I have not yet bought a graphics card for it, ran out of funds, so just using onboard graphics and sound. Seems to run ok so far. Can anyone suggest any addons or upgrades to this spec for later on

Hardware:

Shuttle SK21G Barebone PC System - SKT754 DDR400

AMD Sempron 3000+ (SDA3000BXBOX) 64 Bit Architecture 1.8Ghz Skt 754

Kingston 512MB DDR PC3200 400MHz CL3 Memory Module

Maxtor 250GB 7200rpm 8MB Cache

Pioneer DVR-111DSV 16x DVD±RW Dual Layer Internal IDE (Silver)

KeySonic 2.4Ghz Wireless Compact Keyboard with Integrated TouchPad

Software:

Window XP Pro

Xlobby (love it, nice and simple interface)

Any comments or tips welcome, be as harsh as you like about my spec, lol, my first attempt

[nicky munchkin]

Posted twice mate ;).

May I suggest you use MCE (http://kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/info_6609.html) instead of Pro

Edit: Oh and more ram

[six5tring]

I'd try and get yourself an ok passive graphics card just to deal with the more graphic intensive parts of everything. Although I certainly use my onboard 6150 card with no problems in my current htpc incarnation! I'm an MCE man meself. But each to his own! As said an extra stick or RAM really woulodn't go a miss. Also I'm a VFD fan and they are great for HTPC use. eg. song info... I mean I can just glance at my htpc and at the moment I know I'm listening to audio slave - somedays with the monitor off (d'oh now faithless taking too long!) :)

six