General Chat / Building a Media Center PC

I plan to buy most of the components on eBay so I can get a lot for my money.

So far I'm pretty sure about a Dell 20.1" widescreen display (Model # 2005fpw).

I've been looking at the AMD processors for their affordability, but I'd just as easily go with an Intel if I can find one that'll fit in with my budget.

I'm also looking at a Ahanix D5 case so far, but I'm not set on that either.

I need an HDTV tuner, and a sound card with at least a 6.1 coaxial or optical output, but I haven't decided on one yet.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

is this for you or your parents/house?
give some more information, IE what do you want to do with it?

I'll be using this for graphic/web design, video editing, DVD ripping and burning, off-air HDTV viewing, and moderate gaming.

I basically just want some help in finding the right components to get the most out of my budget.

Don't really know what else to say.

HDTV Tuner:
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16815100134

You'll want Windows XP Media Center Edition

Soud Card:
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16829102179 (or)
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16829102171
^The Audigy 2 ZS is much better, and has a pretty good price for it.

You may also want to look at www.tigerdirect.com as they have good prices there too. Nothing beats NewEgg's shipping.

Edit: If you're willing not to go HD for the TV tuner, 128 MB ATI Radeon 9600XT with TV Tuner and dual monitor support, including remote control is selling for $175
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814102352

Thanks for the help, but I really need a sound card with either a coaxial or optical digital out. My receiver doesn't support multi-in.

You can fix that problem by using a cable like this. and plugging it into the headphone jack of the soundcard.

That wouldn't be true surround sound though, just an upconverted stereo signal.

I need a digital audio out so I can have true Dolby Digital Surround EX and DTS ES surround sound for my HDTV and DVD's.

Oh, sorry, I must have just misread your post. I'll keep my eye out for something that can help you.

23' no less!
i've got a question: the lower the ratio in contrast the better quality right? so 1:1 is the best, or 500:1 is better than 1000:1.
as for the monitor you should look at sony's and dell's, they both offer good options.

i HIGHLY recommend this monitor, it's a 1700 dollar value. just read some reviews of it, not to mention it's amazing response times.



i just bought one.

i've got a question: the lower the ratio in contrast the better quality right? so 1:1 is the best, or 500:1 is better than 1000:1.

no, higher means better

Read this for more info:
http://compreviews.a.../a/LCDSpecs.htm

If that's Dell's 2405fpw, that's about twice the price of the 20" 2005fpw. Cheapest I've found the 2405 is $700. I can get the 2005fpw for under $400.

I've been starting to look at barebone systems, they seem to be almost better deals than building one from scratch.

If you want a good display, you could try an Apple Cinema Display, providing you have a DVI on your new computer...

The Cinema desplays do look pretty sweet, but a 20" apple display costs about twice as much as the 2005fpw, and both 2005fpw and the Cinema displays use the same LG Phillips panel. Only real difference is the backlight, and actually, the 2005fpw's backlight is the brighter of the two. The 2005fpw also comes with a 3-yr warranty vs. Apple's 1-yr.

Back to your sound cards:

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16829152008
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16829127001

Those are probably your best two deals for what you're willing to spend, but if you want to go crazy with it,
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16829102181 .

Sorry about the mix up with the type of output ports you needed, I don't know why I was confused by that.

Again, you don't have to go to New Egg with it, but they usually have the best prices, and have the best shipping by far. It's also the easiest to do research and shop with. Look around there for all the parts you need, it's a great site.