Media Setup

KingDing · 22 Nov 2009 at 12:25

Hi Guys. I been here for a while but i have been thinking recenly of updating my home server.

At the moment i have a Home Server/Download box/media center.

I going to upgrade but i only have 150 to spend. The old system is a AN8 socket 939. But the sata ports are intamitantly faulty.

First idea. Seperate Media centre.

Mini ITX and case

Use the old system as a server

Second idea. Upgrade the old system.

Sata Card
New Case
New GFX Card (HDMI)
Sound Card (Optical Out)

What are your thoughts and which. Is there a cheap HDMI/Op Out mother board out there?

Thanks Guys

95thrifles · 22 Nov 2009 at 14:11

Have a look at AMDs 785G chipset mobo's, they do an AM2+ version if you want, you'll need to pick up 2 gig of PC6400 DDR2 RAM (about £30). This mobo has SATA, sound and HDMI out and comes in at £60, then buy a new athlon CPU such as this 240 at £45, leaves £15 for a new case which just about covers this

So something ike this
Asus M4A785D-M Pro AMD 785G (Socket AM3) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard £58.98 (£51.29) - Currently out of stock atm
AMD Athlon II X2 Dual Core 240 2.80GHz (Socket AM3) - Retail £45.99 (£39.99)
Crucial Value 2GB (1x2GB) DDR2 PC2-6400C6 Single Module (CT25664AA800) £28.99 (£25.21) - If possible find 2x1 gig rather than 1x2 so you have dual channel
Akasa Genesis AK-5004 Midi Tower Case - Black £16.99 (£14.77)
Total: £150.95

KingDing · 22 Nov 2009 at 14:16

Ah Sweet.
thats nearly the set up i was looking at. I have loads of DDR2 sitting around.

95thrifles · 22 Nov 2009 at 14:17

KingDing said:
Ah Sweet.
thats nearly the set up i was looking at. I have loads of DDR2 sitting around.

even better then, can get a nicer case