SFF MCE.....so, any advice on eveything ?

Soldato
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OK, just retired (and managed to get a few pennies) for my first SFF MCE rig......an ASUS T2 s478 with 2.4GHz Celeron....and this frees up money and desire to start again (so much TV to record ;) ).....but need advice on what bits to go for - Help ?

First, Venice AMD 3000 or Penitum4 D805 (or similar)......and, based on this, what mobo ? Looking towards integrated (need to be MCE capable, mind :rolleyes: ) Graphics atm, but - ideally - PCI-e slot for later use....and what about Viiv capable boards, if going Intel route ?

Second, suitable case......thinking 'shoebox' as opposed to desktop slimline - where I plan to place it doesn't allow a case with full-height PCI cards installed :( Anyone got any thoughts on Aspire Qpack or similar ? Other recommendations warmly accepted :)

TV Tuner wise, previously had an Avermedia hybrid PCI which worked perfectly with MCE, but prior to that had a Kworld hybrid which failed to record often.....so, will need advice on tried and tested TV cards (internal, please)......possibly dual-tuner....ideally with radio that works in MCE (the Avermedia and Kworld ones did not !).....

I really want decent MCE performance only, not bothered about gaming etc., as this is to be a second PC for DVR duties, primarily, and will jump onto my network at home....would like to think it can be quiet, too, not necessarily silent - may also use it with my Motorola Homesight security setup, save leaving on 'scary-power-drawing-main-PC' all the time :eek:

That should do it for now......please, any thoughts ? Thanks !
 
Thanks for the reply....but have finally got it all sorted :

MSI K8NGM2-FID, Venice 3000+, 2x512MB DDR400, Leadtek DTV2000H, all in an Aspire QPack

Very pleased with this.....the MSI board is a real cracker (so long as you get the -FID variant with 6150 inc DVI, VGA and Component Video :D )

Now just looking for some spangly VFD that works (seamlessly, preferably ;)) with MCE2005....anybody ?
 
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