HTPC but using XP Pro

Gatster

Rebuilding my PC to make it a bit more media savvy - not spending a fortune on it just bit's and bobs. Would this graphics card be Ok?

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2054872556

The only gets noisy in it's current box/(old) spec when I have it on for a couple of hours, but I'm hoping it's new case will partially sort this:

http://www.thermaltake.com/product/Chassis/desktop/mozart/vc4001sns.asp

SouperComputer

its fine. Overkill TBH unless you plan gaming.

Chances are with XP Pro you will be usuing media portal: http://www.team-mediaportal.com/

Hardware requirements can be found here:

http://www.team-mediaportal.com/dokuw/install/hardware_requirements

Also I would look into the exact source of noise for your PC before spending money on a case. What CPU cooler\Case Fan\Northbrige and PSU fans do you have?

Also, bear in mind that the 9600 will have an audiable fan, you might need to slap one of these on it:

http://www.hitide.ie/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_23_46/products_id/345

Lastly, Nvidia cards are generally chosen with Media PC's for two reasons:

1. Happier at handling widescreen res
2. Linux driver support if you decide to use the rather excellent MythTV


HTH

Gatster

Cheers, any nVidia recommednations for similar money, I only occasionally buy games, they tend be about two years old anyway! It's noisy because of the fan in the PC case and where the PC is (very little space around it for natural cooling) - It's a 2.0Ghz P4 with 1Gb of Ram and 'stock' fan in the case. When it's finished it'll be moved from it's current location in it's shiny new case to be part of the home entertainment system.

SouperComputer

Anything except FX and MX. DOnt get me wrong, the FX are okay, but if you have a choice. The MX are "consumer" cards, ie forget gaming.

The older Geforce 4Ti series are great for media systems and can be picked up for buttons.