GearBits

Building a New Home-Theater PC - Part I

About two years ago, I decided to build a proof-of-concept MP3 server (I've documented that project in this blog entry, so I won't repeat the details here). However, the current machine, a lowly AMD Duron 750 MHz w/ 128 MB of RAM, is well beyond its useful life in that capacity. For example, starting up Real One Player with our 10,000+ song MP3 database takes nearly two minutes. So, it's time to start thinking about what will, and should, replace that starter system.

I'd like the new machine to be more of a home-theater PC -- something that can perform as an MP3 server (at the very least) as well as possibly handle TV recording and other multimedia functions. Ideally, it could record HDTV signals, but I'll admit that I haven't looked hard enough yet to see if any home media software permits that functionality. I'd also like the new machine to come up out of the basement and live in the family room nearer the rest of the home a/v setup.

Now, it seems I have two primary form factors to consider. The first is the attractive option of the small-form-factor (SFF) case, like the AMS eCube bare-bones system I discussed last month. The second option would be the full-sized HTPC case that looks like a stereo component, such as is pictured above.

The SFF has basically just one advantage -- its size. I could fit it into our entertainment armoire fairly easily. Because it's small, it can also be easily schlepped from one place to another. I'm not sure how often I'd want to do that with an HTPC, but you never know. The disadvantages of the SFF are several: they have limited expandability (usually one PCI slot and one AGP slot), they often run hot, and they're often loud (because they don't have much, if any, sound baffling). Plus, most don't blend well with an all-black home A/V setup.

The component case has a few advantages. It looks good, it's heavily baffled (so it's really quiet), and it has plenty of space for expansion since it's a full-sized horizontal case. The main disadvantage is size -- I'm just not sure I can fit another full component into our entertainment center without displacing something we already have (I'm thinking the cassette deck could go -- I don't remember the last time we used it -- but the wife would not easily see the wisdom in that).

Cost is pretty much a wash. A new SFF would run close to $300, which is about the same for a good component case plus motherboard. All the rest of the innards would be the same for both systems.

So, right now, I'm not sure what I'm going to do -- do you have any advice or recommendations? I'm all ears at this point. Oh, and of course, I'll be posting my progress as time goes on here on GearBits.