HCPC/XBMC/NAS Advice

[platypus]

I'm thinking of building a new PC in order to run XBMC as there are a few features in it that I like the look of.

I have a few options:
- Use my existing server (not a great option as its low powered and XBMC requires a graphics card and reasonable spec for HD).
- Build a new HCPC using my existing WHS as a NAS essentially to stream to the HCPC
- Build a HPCP and get a NAS as they use a lot less power than my WHS so keeping costs down.

I'm leaning towards option 2 at present to keep overall spend down...

I know there are some XBMC users on here, do you have to use the graphics card for output? Any users of the iPlayer plugin? How good is it?

And any NAS users who would recommend something? I've got a large amount of data and I really like the WHS drive pooling.

 

[welshdragon]

Well I custom built an AMD E350 fusion rig and plays everything spot on.

I also bought a synology DS210j from the mm and fitted it with 2x2tb wd green drives and that is also really good. Streams everything fine. If I ahd to buy new today I would get a ds211j or qnap alternative.