Time to build a new system after 6 years

Well, It's finally time to build a new system.
Right now I've got an old Athlon 1.2gb with 512 DDr on an ECS K7s5A with a 40gb HD and an old ATI All-in-Wonder 4mb video card running XP professional. It's been quite good to me, but now I'd like to do a bit more.

My HD is just about full, so I figure now is a good time.
Really I don't play any of the fancy 3d games or anything like that, so I could easily get away with a lower end cheap build. However, I would like to be able to use the computer as a DVR to record two shows simultaneously. I would then like to be able to use my home wireless network to watch the recorded shows on a TV in another room. (I realize I'll need something to connected to the TV to watch the shows from the computer). I'd also like to be able to do basic web browsing and such while two shows are recording.

I've always leaned towards AMD for processors just because at least in the past you get more bang for your buck. I'd rather not have to upgrade anytime in the near future (like i haven't really had to do in my current computer), so I'm thinking that a quad core phenom would be good. My concern with this is that I can't use DDR3 memory yet. I don't know if it's worth waiting for DDR3 on the Phenoms, or if I should get an Intel chip, or if DDR2 on the Phenom would be fine. I figure a 500-1000gb HD should be fine. I've already got a DVD/CD-r that I could use. I know I'll need a new case and power supply. I've got a good monitor already.

The part I'm having more trouble with is the video card and TV card. It would be nice to have one card take care of it all, but I don't know if there is anything. Also, I'm not quite sure what I'd have to get for the TV in the other room to play the recordings. I know a remote control would be a requirement.

Anyway, I'd like to keep it pretty cheap, yet not have to upgrade anytime soon. Thanks in advance for the advice.

-d

+1 Proximon amd poo poo

> I'd also like to be able to do basic web browsing and such while two shows are recording.


THE most stable technology presently is the Intel P45 chipset with
a Core 2 duo or Core 2 quad CPU e.g. E8400 thru E8600 (for 2 cores)
and Q6600 on up (4 cores) + at least 4GB of DDR2-800 or DDR2-1066 --
at either stock speeds or mildly over-clocked.

Not only is this technology mature; memory prices are very low right now;
and very good deals can be had on the Q6600. For more money,
Intel's Core 2 quads are now available in 45nm versions, which run cooler
than their predecessors.

Just be fore-warned that the "boxed" versions of Intel's CPU come
with a CPU cooler that has push-pin fasteners with known engineering
defects. So, do consider a quality third-party CPU cooler with a
proper BACKING PLATE (very important issue).

It seems that every week now, for several YEARS, someone complains
here about an Intel CPU that is overheating, and 90% of the time
that overheating is due to push-pins that are failing to grip properly.

Aside from these considerations, a late model case with proper
ventilation is also important, particularly if you decide now or later
to install high-performance video.

We've been posting lots of messages extolling the benefits
of fan grills in the bottom and top panels of newer cases
like the Cooler Master CM 690; other manufacturers are
now starting to catch on e.g. Lian-Li; one even advertises
the "stack effect" of their newest case designs.

Hot air rises, yes?


Last but not least, a good rule of thumb for powers supplies
is to target a steady-state using 50% of rated capacity:
this target will approach maximum efficiency of your PSU.

Corsair consistently sell high-quality units and there are
many others. GIGO (garbage-in, garbage-out).


Good luck!


MRFS

Thanks for all of your quick replies. It sounds like DDR3 isn't really worth the wait. Also it sounds like I may be better off with Intel, which is fine. I will have to do some more digging around though for the TV card, and method for setting up my TV in the other room. When I finally get off my butt and get this thing moving, I'll probably have more questions and updates.

-d