Re: XP vs MCE2005

["gigtekmediacomputers" <stuartmc@xxxxxxxxxx>]

--- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, "Mark McCall" <lists@a...> wrote:
> > Any other thoughts?
>
> Stuart
>
> Any thoughts on the 2 MCE specs posted to the forums?
>
> http://www.automatedhome.co.uk/mce2005.html

Not familiar with GiGabyte M/B we prefer ASUS and Intel. Looks to
have fan on the North bridge and the less fans the better. May also
want to take a look at the ASUS P5AD2, range of 3 specs to match
Gigabyte or Intel D925XCVLK. Intel is very complete even having Co-
ax and optical audio out in the back panel, it is also most
expensive for the spec.

LC10 has two 60mm fans and one 80mm fan in case. Need to slow these
down as the small ones in particular are noisy, try a Zalman Fan
Multi-Connector Cable ZM-MC1. Not convinced of the need for the
Acoustipack, get it quiet to begin with. The foam acts as a great
insulator and makes the fans work harder to get rid of heat from
inside the case instead of radiating it from the metal case. RAM
heatsinks shouldn't be needed either.

Biggest issue is graphics card is an AGP and motherboard is PCI-e
look at either ATI X300/X600 or NVidia 6600/GT. Ideally need to find
a passively cooled one.

VFD on LC10M takes a bit of fiddling with.

Rest of spec looks fine.


>
> http://www.automatedhome.co.uk/postp1126.html#1126

Don't know of anyone that has built a Pentium-M Media Center yet.
Have been thinking about it though and in principle this should be
fine if at the lower end of performance range. Would have concerns
over its ability to do 720p or 1080i

Coolermaster seems to be a normal upright case and suspect most
would prefer a horizontal case for living room/hi-fi look.

Have heard that Samsung keep changing components on Spinpoint and
some are noisier than others, can't really comment as we use Seagate.

Other specs look ok, don't forget to add a MPEG Decoder as well and
not sure if the Pentium-M comes with a quiet cooler.

BTW If you're not sure about MCE we should have our showroom
finished soon for anyone near to the Thames valley that wants a look
first.

>
> Thanks
>
> M.