Will this work?

[cardinalsfan]

I have been wanting to use GBPVR FOREVER!! I just now have the time and resources to make it happen. I found a good deal on a computer that I think will work for what i need. will the following specs run gbpvr?

* CPU : Via C3 1.0GHz (Motherboard is a Via EPIA-M)
* Memory Total : 256MB PC2100 DDR SDRAM
* HD : 40GB IDE
* Optical Drive : 8x DVD±RW Dual Layer DVD Burner (There is no floppy drive)
* Network : Onboard integrated 10/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet
* Dimensions: Case size - 15 x 12 x 4 (inches)
* Power Supply : 220W AC - This can switch between 120v-220v input
* Video : Onboard integrated VIA UniChrome AGP graphics with MPEG-2 decoding acceleration and 32MB shared video memory
* Ports : Four (4) USB, One (1) Firewire, One (1) Serial, One (1) Parallel, One (1) HD-15 VGA, One (1) RCA Video-Out, One (1) S-Video, One (1) IrDA and Two (2) PS/2
* Form Factor : Mini-ITX Desktop
* Audio : Onboard integrated VIA VT1616 6-Channel AC-97 codec
* TV Tuner Card : TVision TVF-7531MF PCI with Coax(TV-In), S-Video, RCA Video-In, Audio-In/Out and Remote
* Memory Config : 1x256MB
* Keyboard : IR Keyboard with integrated Mouse
* Model Number : VIA EPIA-M
* Condition : New in Sealed Box (NIB) and sold with warranty


I am going to upgrade the RAM and the HDD, so no worries there

Just a few things i worry about.
1. Is the processor fast enough? It is embedded so I cant upgrade
2. Will the graphics be enough?
3. Will this tuner work with GBPVR?

If it wont, I have a question about the pvr-500. I have standard cable, bo cable box, no hdtv or digital cable, just a cable running into the tv from the wall. will this tuner work? wont any tuner work? Thanks!! I would like a quick answer as this deal wont last long.

[gEd]

I believe the consensus is that this gen of via cpus are too weak for gbpvr.

[cardinalsfan]

any particular reason? and i hate to ask is here, but are there any other software options that would run on this pc? the computer is just such a good deal ($80)

[pBS]

cuz even tho it's a 1ghz processor, it runs slower than a real pentium at same speed...
[so more like a 600mhz p4]
and the mpeg2 accel is pretty hard to get working..

a much more powerful intel board with an Atom processor would do much better and costs about the same...[D945GCLF2 for example] is about 80 with processor built-in and has gigabit networking and should play mpeg2 nicely in EVR with ffdshow decoder...

[cardinalsfan]

I'm getting the whole PC with all stats listed for $80. It's a deal I cant beat really. It has everything i need. Looks like i just need to find software that will work on it. thanks guys!!

[gEd]

It's $80 for a good reason. It's an outdated, low spec, low powered pc. (but it is only $80!!).

If you enjoy fiddling with pc's you might have fun and get the result you want.

good luck

[cardinalsfan]

$80 seems worth it for the case and dvd burner alone. What about buying it and using the case for this mobo - http://www.mini-box.com/Jetway-Hybrid-J7...ategory=99

I want something that has rca tv out on the mobo (until i upgrade the tv then i will run vga or something)

[sub]

You'd probably be better off staying away from the VIA mini-itx boards. They generally are slow with crappy video performance.

For a mini-itx board, I'd go with an nvidia ION based board. There is several different boards available based on this, like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813500028. Personally I'd go with one of the dual core models.

[cardinalsfan]

should i not go for a VIA processor at all? what about these options:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813153135

or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813153127

[sub]

I'd go for a motherboard using the nvidia ION chipset, rather than the Intel and VIA chipsets used in those two boards. Much better video chipset.