Which CPU and Graphics card for Media PC

[jaffacaique]

I will be building media PC soon but was wondering which CPU would be suitable to use, I was looking at using Intel's E5200.

*My Plan*
XP Pro 32bit
E5200
Graphics Card (Unsure what would be suitable)
2 GB Ram
500GB HDD
DVD Writer
TV Card (not sure which yet though)

Will be using to record TV (not editing), playing emulated games via MAME, music, internet, photos. Having never used this CPU before I was not sure whether it would be suitable for the tasks

 

[linktoinsanity]

Not sure about a TV card but for graphics card:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-117-XF

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-125-XF&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=938

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-175-AS&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1274

or if you prefer Nvidia:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-099-GW&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1009

I chose those mainly as they should all do HD and any higher than the 9800GT or 4850 would be overkill in your case, as you won't use it for gaming. Infact the 4670/4830 would probably be the best for your uses.

Intel's E5200 will be fine as well. Good choice there.

 

[timciren]

if u want to keep it cool and quiet, I have just swapped to a passive 4670 card, doesnt use much power when running 24/7, hauppauage is the best tv card I have had , a 500dual tuner, vista tv recorder is better imo than xp mce; my xp used to hang often. e5200 should be fine, easy to fill 500gb with recorded tv,

 

[jaffacaique]

Hi both, many thanks for the feedback and useful links. I have decided to go for the 4670 gaphics card. Thanks for the info on XP MCE timciren - I was planning on using my old XP pro for this build but it sounds as though Vista could be better for the task, an oem vista premium may be worth purchasing. I have never used an actual TV card before so I am still in the dark about these at present. Have only ever captured from other devices such as VHS or freeview box using a Pinnacle PCI capture card before which worked brilliantly but the viewing area in Studio 11 is very small. Also never used Media Centre on either XP or Vista, I take it that MCE is straight forward to use when recording TV?

 

[aleco]

You could save yourself some cash by downloading the Win7 beta, although down side is you may need to reinstall once the trial is up.

But Vista/Win7 media center is great, really easy to use and nice interface in my opinion. Recording is simple, plus you've got the option to record entire series