Help! New Build Spec Ideas Required!

bharatg

bharatg

bharatg

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Joined
4 Jul 2010
Posts
11
Hi all! Great to finally join the forum!

I know there is a huge knowledge base within this forum so I would like to pick you brains on a new PC build please:

Some background
I was very close to purchasing a semi-ok home desktop from Dell but then decided to have a shot at building my own, assuming that I will be able to get more bang for my buck. I'm an experienced software engineer with a computing degree so I'm sure I'll be comfortable building one, my only difficulty is knowing what is currently the best value/quality gear for my needs as I've been out of touch indivudal components...hence where you come in ;)

What do I need?
A PC which can:
- Store a lot of media
- Allows me watch my media from my TV in another room (I'm assuming the only way I can do this is via Wirless Streaming to PS3 or similar via Windows Media Centre, is the quality good enough?, I want to get the best quality possible for my budget HD if possible).
- Photo & Video Editing (nothing major just amateur stuff)
- A silent or very quiet PC if possible (I assume this is down to Case, Fans)
- A slick black case, there are so many, which one is good? I don't want fancy lights just a decent quality case which is quiet and has room for expandability, a Mid Size case I presume...

I won't be gaming on the PC, nor will I be browsing much as I have an Ipad. I just want a data store really with the capability to run Windows Media Centre effectively and function as a normal PC if required.

What advice or opinions do I want from you?
- A recommended spec would be great, with details on which Motherboard, CPU, RAM, Media/Graphics Card, Storage, Case, Monitor, Anything else??

What is my budget?
I would say a max of £500 excluding Monitor. The dell PC was around £400 I think but I don't mind spending a bit more on a custom build to get me something that will last for a good few years,

Your help is most appreciated!

BG
 
That was quick! How did you choose those components?

I am yet to read through each of the components you've chosen, but I would like to hear your opinion on media streaming? Is it best to hard wire my TV to the PC? Or will wirelessly streaming the data be sufficent. I don't really want to switch on my PS3 each time I want to use Media centre, seems a bit of a pain.

Basically what is the optimum connection from TV to PC Media Centre?

Many Thanks!!
 
Thanks for all the responses!!

Stulid your spec looks sound - I've had a read through each component and they all seem great with good reviews to support them. I won't be surprised If I lose my patience and buy the spec you've provided - although I will check out that Custom PC mag for that article Westie69 mentioned.

In terms of streaming my data - I again agree with you all in that streaming will probably cause me more problems that its worth - Buying a HD Portable Drive which I can hook into the TV directly or PS3 would be much better for quality. The only concern is having the ability to access my data whenever I please - without having to transfer from PC etc! I'm all about convenience... Plus I really like the Windows Media Centre interface, will the movies covers etc at your fingertips, I'm sure the wife will like that.

Sounds like I need to do some in depth research on the ability to stream HD content...

In the meantime - I should concentrate on getting the best PC for my budget and you all have helped - please keep your ideas rolling in :)
 
I've been trying to PM stulid but am finding it impossible to do on this forum...

Hey stulid - if you get this, I tried purchasing the exact spec you provided on post #2- spent the last week reading reviews checking similar products and I like your product reccomnedation selection very much!

Only problem is - the MB is out of stock - any alternatives? Or do you reccomened I wait for this to come back in - do you know how long it usually takes for stock to re-appear approx?

Nice one
 
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