Computer Upgrade Specs

[nbarsley]

I want to upgrade my system so that it is capable of recording and playing HD content without any problems. I also want to do this without spending much money. The hardward that I will keep are a PVR-150 for sd, a dolby digital Live! soundcard, and other accessories (wireless card etc). I also have a PNY FX5200 but I am not sure if I need to buy another graphics card.
Does anyone have any recommendations for CPU's/motherboards? I don't to buy one that will not have the horsepower.

I was thinking about buying this CPU as its only $50.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6819103035

[sub]

That CPU should be up to the task easily.

You'll probably find the nvidia FX5200 is a bit of a bottle neck for HDTV video. Video acelleration features of this device will only apply to standard definition. Most people recommend a nvidia 6600 or higher for HDTV (or ATI equivalent).

[nbarsley]

Thanks Sub. I was thinking the same thing about the fx5200. 6600 or higher it is!

[Pochrist]

You might consider putting the money in the memory, I maxed my Board upto 1.5gb Pc100, I have a FX5200 25bmb.

But for play back I opted to get the Happauge Medai MVP to get the load off the computer. As for HD I'm capturing analog from the Cable line and can't get the HD content, OTH is not an option cause the signals in my area suck.

[nbarsley]

I'm pretty sure that my fx5200 is 128mb not 256. I was going to buy at least 1 gig of ram for my system since I don't think that 512 will be enough.

[brfish]

You could get one of the AM2 X2 3600+ combos here....http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductCom...=1&Local=y...this would "future proof" your system.

The one for $159 has the onboard 6150 video which supports the Nvidia Purevideo decoder and is supposed to be good for HD. Only has 2 PCI slots so not sure if you are looking for Micro ATX. You would want to get 2, 1 gig ddr2 memory sticks to run it in Dual channel mode and give as much memory to the onboard video as possible.

Side note. I am now using an AGP 6600GT right now but was able to get away with using an AGP 6200 (OCed just a bit) for doing HD playback.