Hi, I've finally decided to go ahead and build this mythtv pvr and have decided to try this method of install because of the ease of use.

I already have an athlon xp 2100 or 2700, I don't remember which and an msi K7N2 Delta mobo (nf2). I have a 120 gig hd as well. These components are set in stone..I'm not going to change them. I am most likely gonna get the wintv250 because i've read it cuts down cpu usage alot (and i might want to add another tuner card later). Plus it's on sale at compusa for $70.

Questions:
1. Do i need to get a separate sound card? or will the software detect the integrated sound card on my mobo (nforce 2). I have a pretty low linux skill level so prettymuch if it doens't auto-detect, or have an easy way to make it work, i'd rather just buy one. If i do need to buy one, which would you recommend (that will be autodetected or have very easy driver insallation)
2. What type of video card would you recommend. Has to be under 100$. as with the sound card it will either have to be autodetected or a very easy installation.
3. Ram - I've decided on 512 ddr 400mhz ram... is this a good choice. Would you recommend buying a "brand name" (cheapest about $100) type instead of generic (75$)
4. Dvd-rom or rw? I initially thought i'd get a dvd burner but now i'm thinking i really dont have alot of need for it and plus it'd be more drivers to install, and does mythtv even have a convient way to burn dvd's? and the price difference is about 70$.
5. anything else i'll need?

thanks for your time... I'll be buying the components in about 12 hours.

Jon

1. Sound should be detected.
2. nVidia Geforce 4 or above.
3. Less I'm mistaken, no XP 2100 or 2700 has a 400 MHz bus, so why PC3200 RAM? 256 megs will suffice as well.
4. If you do get a DVD-RW+- (whatever), the install process should detect and configure the system. If you search the forum and MythTV archives, you'll see that several folks have come up with solutions for creating DVDs.

_________________
cesman

When the source is open, the possibilities are endless!

The nforce2 chipset is apparently smart enough to use the extra memory bandwidth for DMA either for disks or in the case of the IGP version for the built in video. Also when I was pricing components for upgrading my box I discovered that PC3200 wasn't any more expensive and allowed for upgrading to a faster CPU later.

I'd stick to name brand RAM myself, Kingston Value Ram is generally reasonbly priced and very reliable. Corsair is generally good, but certain motherboards have issues with their value line. Bottom line, check MSI's website and the RAM vendors website for known compatability.

Nice! Thanks for the info...

_________________
cesman

When the source is open, the possibilities are endless!