Build an HD HTPC - PC Magazine

We've built an HD WMCE PC, then Engadget built one; so what happens next? PC Magazine is building one; wow, we feel like such trend setters. Ah, who are we kidding, do-it-yerselfers have been building PCs since the 1980's! PC Mag drops over two-grand on their high-def system, which is much more than the $950 we spent, but in fairness to them, the do have more RAM, double the hard drive space and multiple tuners for their high-def content. Additionally, their case choice of a SilverStone LaScala LC17 looks more component-like and less PC-ish. If you're interested at all in building a high-def capable home media center, this is another good article worth the read.

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[(Unverified) Posted Feb 21st 2006 9:51AM]

Is it just me, or has the news about Vista probably not working with HD content on homebuilt machines just put a huge chill on reading anything related to MCE boxes?

Spending that much money on something that in all likelihood isn't going to be upgradable to HD-DVDs, cablecards, etc. is insane.

I'd also be more interested in a story about the CHEAPEST HD MCE box possible. Can it be done for less than $800 with a HD tuner card and a reasonable hard drive (at least 250 GB)?

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 21st 2006 10:52AM]

I built one for quite a bit less than the magazine Two months ago, I bought the Ahanix MCE601 case (180), AMD 64 3200+ w/Biostar 939 motherboard combo(220), PNY Nvidia 6600 video (130), 160 GB IDE drive (40), Dvico Fusion 5 HDTV tuner (150). I had the OS, memory, soundcard, and dvd burner from an old build. It works great with the free GBPVR media platform. Dude, that case in the picture is fricken huge - I could store my lawnmower in that thing.