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Mythtv around a Dell Optiplex GX270
http://forum.linhes.org/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=22035		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  abstube [ Mon Feb 21, 2011 1:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Mythtv around a Dell Optiplex GX270
I'm new to the site but was interested in building a mythtv box to have the ability to record 2 hdtv channels while watching a 3rd. Can anyone help me design that sort of system around my old desktop the Dell Optiplex GX270? Thanks for the help.


Here is a link with my computer's specifications. http://www.dell.com/downloads/us/produc ... 0_spec.pdf
Author:  Martian [ Mon Feb 21, 2011 2:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
The link you provided is general specs for the Optiplex GX270 line. Would be helpful if you provide the exact specs of your box. The reason I say this is that a 2.8GHz P4 is right on the edge of being able to handle HD decoding so your processor speed could be crucial to your success / failure. RAM is also an important consideration as anything less than 1 GB often results in swapping to the hard disk which will impact performance. The video chip will also be a concern.
Author:  slowtolearn [ Mon Feb 21, 2011 5:03 pm ]
Post subject: 
What Martian said. I don't think you'll find the "Integrated Intel Extreme® Graphics 2" to be up to snuff for watching HD recordings. However, the machine should be fine for recording HD. If it has an AGP slot you could purchase an nVidia card, but much of equation will be the processor you have in there.

I have a machine with a P4 3.0 HT processor and an AGP card with very similar specs to this, works fine for watching HD
Author:  cesman [ Wed Feb 23, 2011 3:29 pm ]
Post subject: 
Should work however if you get a video card the supports VDPAU. I'd recommend at least 1 gig of RAM but no more than 2.
Author:  abstube [ Thu Feb 24, 2011 8:58 pm ]
Post subject: 
Ok. I've finally found time to bring out the computer. It has a Pentium 4 CPU 2.40 GHZ, 1.00GB of RAM (upgradable to 4 gb's if I remember correctly. Do you all think that's enough? And if so what all do I need? Thanks for the help.
Author:  Martian [ Fri Feb 25, 2011 8:42 am ]
Post subject: 
2.4 GHz won't cut it for CPU decoding, you will need VDPAU which means you will need a compatible video card.
Author:  abstube [ Fri Feb 25, 2011 9:06 am ]
Post subject: 
Got any advice as to what VDPAU and video card to use?
Author:  abigailsweetashoney [ Fri Mar 04, 2011 1:28 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'm very interested in this thread. My Company sells GX270's to employees for dirt. I've thought of using it for a MBE but most only have one or two half height pci slots, 180 watt PS, and room for only one drive.

Please provide the exact specs if you ever get this working. Thanks.
Author:  jimdoc [ Fri Mar 04, 2011 8:23 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'd be cautious of a Dell GX270 (at any price).
The GX270's had the bad capacitor problem.
My company replaced almost all of the GX270 motherboards at least once (sometimes twice).
Author:  christ [ Fri Mar 04, 2011 9:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mythtv around a Dell Optiplex GX270
abstube wrote:
I'm new to the site but was interested in building a mythtv box to have the ability to record 2 hdtv channels while watching a 3rd. Can anyone help me design that sort of system around my old desktop the Dell Optiplex GX270? Thanks for the help.


Here is a link with my computer's specifications. http://www.dell.com/downloads/us/produc ... 0_spec.pdf


You will need to start by telling us what your HD source will be and where you are. The answer will depend. For example you may not need VDPAU for example if you are in the US and recording OTA HD. But you will if you need an HD-PVR.
Author:  christ [ Fri Mar 04, 2011 10:01 pm ]
Post subject: 
abigailsweetashoney wrote:
I'm very interested in this thread. My Company sells GX270's to employees for dirt. I've thought of using it for a MBE but most only have one or two half height pci slots, 180 watt PS, and room for only one drive.

Please provide the exact specs if you ever get this working. Thanks.

Abby, I presume you are in the UK based on "South Jersey". What is your HD source?
Author:  tjc [ Fri Mar 04, 2011 10:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
christ wrote:
Abby, I presume you are in the UK based on "South Jersey"

Well, she could also be in the piney woods between Philly and Cape May... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Jersey
Author:  christ [ Fri Mar 04, 2011 10:20 pm ]
Post subject: 
tjc wrote:
christ wrote:
Abby, I presume you are in the UK based on "South Jersey"

Well, she could also be in the piney woods between Philly and Cape May... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Jersey

LOL :D. maybe. hard to tell sometimes. Not sure why people aren't more clear about where they are. We have people from the four corners here.
Author:  mihanson [ Sat Mar 05, 2011 9:26 am ]
Post subject: 
christ wrote:
We have people from the four corners here.


You mean the "four corners of the world" or The Four Corners? :lol:
Author:  christ [ Sat Mar 05, 2011 11:56 am ]
Post subject: 
mihanson wrote:
christ wrote:
We have people from the four corners here.


You mean the "four corners of the world" or The Four Corners? :lol:

You're killing me Mike! But I would fully expect the answer is YES to both!! I'm learning so much about American geography today :D
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