Is this hardware OK (and an odd question or two)

[rwcrooks]

I’m ready to take the plunge. But first, I’d like a little feedback on the following items.

1. Processor. Everyone recommends a 2GHz processor, but they don’t mention the type (like Athlon, Sempron, P4). As long as it is 2GHz, will I be OK?
2. MediaMVP. Looks like the MediaMVP is the way to go for remote control access, keeping the PC (and its noise) away from the TV.
3. Hauppage Cards. Should I go with the 500 (dual tuner) or a pair of 150MCEs? I want the option of watching and recording at the same time, of course. I think that the 500 gives me less heat, fewer components, but higher cost and a single point of failure. The pair of 150MCEs gives me more heat, the ability to start with one and add another later and a lower total cost. Do I need XP Media Center for these cards, or will XP Pro work? I don’t see much of a difference between all of the Hauppauge cards. All have h/w encoders, some have remotes.
4. System. I’m looking at a barebones kit from Tiger Direct (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/...-1022%20M). Chaintech motherboard, Athlon 2900+ (2 GHz), 120GB Maxtor, 518MB RAM. Anyone have any experience (good or bad) with these Chaintech systems? Cash layout $400, comes with $150 in rebates, total price $250 if all rebates come back)
5. What else do I need to know?

[Spartan]

1) CPU flavor is irrelevant, I think. Go for the best price/performance ratio
2) I love my MediaMVP. It's great b/c it allows my media server to be tucked away safely in my basement -- away from my kids AND I don't have to shell out big bucks to make it quiet or buy overly priced HTPC hardware.
3) I think you can't go wrong either way. Originally, I bought the PVR150MCE then decided to go for the PVR500PCE b/c I was running out of PCI slots. I sold the 150 to a guy at work. You do NOT need media center for these cards. XP and Server 2003 both work fine.
4) That system looks good enough, although I have heard terrible horror stores regarding tiger direct and their "rebates". I don't have any personal experience with them, nor will I (based on my reading).
5) With the MediaMVP, you will want to string network cable from where the PC lives to whereever the MediaMVP is going to be.
5a) If you get the MVP, be sure to order the "MCE" version of the capture card b/c the MVP comes with a remote. The MCE versions of the cards do NOT come with a remote.

Good luck!

[reboot]

Amazon has the PVR 500MCE for $134. You just can't beat that price.
I would make sure you get a motherboard that supports SATA, and get TWO drives. One for OS, the other for recordings. This alone, can save a lot of glitches.