Input on my $162 Pentium-M HTPC
Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2010 4:10 pm
Okay, I just got done ordering an Aopen PDS XC Cube MZ915-M off of ebay for $65 shipped with a 1.86ghz Pentium-M Dothan, 40gb HD and 512mb ( I have a 2gb kit I will swap out ) and I ordered a refurb'd MX 3200 keyboard/mouse combo for my input device ( was debating on this or an AVS MCE Remote on NewEgg for $22, this seemed better for me ). I ordered an XFX 512mb GDDR3 9500GT from Buy.com for $58 shipped and a low profile bracket kit for $7 shipped on eBay.
Here are my questions and such that I would like input on.
#1. Do you all think I could have done better for $162 and if so how?
#2. Is there any problems anyone can see with 1080P content on this machine as I'm hoping the 9500GT will handle the decoding well enough on the GPU.
#3. Would I be better off going with Windows 7 or a dedicated HTPC OS or is there a really good HTPC program I can run under W7 for best effect?
#4. This machine will be used as a backup Call of Duty 4 PC, what are the odds of the Pentium-M being able to serve out 1080P video thru the wireless network from attached USB 2.0 external HD's? This is one of my biggest worries as it would suck to fire up CoD4 in the living room and have one of my roomates yell out "Hey, I was jerkin it to Ohura!!! WTF GIVES?!?!" ( Stark Trek is the most popular at the house
#5. What would be best to put in the vacant Pci slot? a low profile HDTV tuner or a Wireless N card? This isn't a now upgrade but a near future upgrade and whatever doesn't go in the Pci slot will go in a USB port.
#6. Should I and would I be better off with an internal sata Blu-Ray combo drive or an external USB drive?
Here are my questions and such that I would like input on.
#1. Do you all think I could have done better for $162 and if so how?
#2. Is there any problems anyone can see with 1080P content on this machine as I'm hoping the 9500GT will handle the decoding well enough on the GPU.
#3. Would I be better off going with Windows 7 or a dedicated HTPC OS or is there a really good HTPC program I can run under W7 for best effect?
#4. This machine will be used as a backup Call of Duty 4 PC, what are the odds of the Pentium-M being able to serve out 1080P video thru the wireless network from attached USB 2.0 external HD's? This is one of my biggest worries as it would suck to fire up CoD4 in the living room and have one of my roomates yell out "Hey, I was jerkin it to Ohura!!! WTF GIVES?!?!" ( Stark Trek is the most popular at the house
#5. What would be best to put in the vacant Pci slot? a low profile HDTV tuner or a Wireless N card? This isn't a now upgrade but a near future upgrade and whatever doesn't go in the Pci slot will go in a USB port.
#6. Should I and would I be better off with an internal sata Blu-Ray combo drive or an external USB drive?