I'de greatly appreciate your advice on a bargain media server type computer that I'm going to put together. Budget is what it is: just moved so cash is low and need is high ... old computer stayed at old house. This will be my only computer at the new place.
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: within 7 days
BUDGET RANGE: < $400 After Rebates
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Media server through X-Box 360, Online Video, Internet Surfing, Programming (Linux and Visual Studio)
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor (I don't have speakers, but I have a home theatre system with audio in that i could use to save budget), may be able to skip the OS if necessary and use Ubuntu or similar, but want to explore Windows 7 option.
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: wherever i can find the best deals
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
PARTS PREFERENCES: No preference, unless I can somehow get a Xeon based system in this price range (not sure if possible) [Why? The experience would benefit some products we use at work]
OVERCLOCKING: Maybe
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Probably not
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050 [I don't think i need 1920x1080if I'm driving the TV with the X-Box]
Thank you for all your advice in advance!
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: within 7 days
BUDGET RANGE: < $400 After Rebates
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Media server through X-Box 360, Online Video, Internet Surfing, Programming (Linux and Visual Studio)
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor (I don't have speakers, but I have a home theatre system with audio in that i could use to save budget), may be able to skip the OS if necessary and use Ubuntu or similar, but want to explore Windows 7 option.
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: wherever i can find the best deals
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
PARTS PREFERENCES: No preference, unless I can somehow get a Xeon based system in this price range (not sure if possible) [Why? The experience would benefit some products we use at work]
OVERCLOCKING: Maybe
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Probably not
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050 [I don't think i need 1920x1080if I'm driving the TV with the X-Box]
Thank you for all your advice in advance!