hey gang .... i would like to make a project of this *IF* i can make the most of whats already there. the extra computer computer i have .... HP Compaq dc7600 Small Form Factor PC - would this be enough to build on ? i dont know the first thing when it comes to this - and was hoping that those that are knowledgeable might provide links to any add-ons that might be necessary. and also that they be "small budget friendly". any thoughts on what my options might be as far as sound / video cards ? id like to use something other than the VGA as well as get decent sound ( out of both, the TV as well as my stereo). another thing that jumps to mind is the power supply if i have to upgrade the sound/video..... not sure if im getting too far ahead of myself or getting into what might be a costly project. would love to hear back about any necessary add-ons for that computer but not brake the bank you know OR if it even makes sense using that computer for what i'd like to do. sorry for the long post - and all the questions but i dont know the first thing about this stuff.
Your version of the DC7600 is built on a half-height size, which means that over 95% of standard PC parts will not fit, and suitable parts will prove exceptionally expensive, if they are available at all. There isn't really a cost-effective way of upgrading the system to get anything better than what you already have. You would be better off building a new system from scratch for an HTPC. Unfortunately you can not transplant the power supply, or possibly even the motherboard into a new case, as they are proprietary to the system. The only things you can keep are the CPU & cooler, hard disk and RAM. You should get a standardised (microATX or ATX midi) case and a new board for your CPU (it needn't be anything fancy, something like a G31 or G41 chipset board from Gigabyte), transplant the CPU and cooler (you will need to clean and re-apply the thermal paste) and you can then fit a standard card with DVI->HDMI on it like an HD3450, and get a HiFi sound card of your choosing. Alternatively, a much cheaper and simpler option if you can live with VGA quality video, there are good USB sound cards out there you can buy.
that was awesome .... thanks so much for the feedback ! at least now i know and can start making plans for going the other route (from scratch). i will seriously look into the parts that you mentioned. please let me know if there was anything left out that i need to research on and price out. really looking forward to the whole project and the experience. this might not be fair so if you prefer not to dedicate the time - i understand .... i wanted to ask if you might provide me with some kind of parts / accessories checklist that i can use for a reference. it would really help alot since i dont know the first thing about pricing out parts or what the minimum requirements (specs) would be. (maybe even at the basic level) either way thanks again for the feedback - much appreciated ! johnny
An HTPC, among other things should be quiet, so it would be best to use some quiet components for it. Some ideas: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128357 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817610002 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102821 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102012 As for the case itself, I'll leave that up to you, since it's a matter of personal taste for the most part.
got that ..... cant wait to actually look through it all. ill post back soon to let you know what its gonna be. gonna have to shop around and crunch some numbers. but at least ive got an idea of where to start. thanks again!
