How to build your own Media Center PC with Gaming capability
Published: August 22, 2005
By Terri Stratton
If you read the popular Media Center newsgroup, you know that many Microsoft customers would like to build their own Media Center computer to run Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005. However, Microsoft does not currently offer the Media Center operating system software at retail.
There is another alternative: Microsoft has made its Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 available to system builders as well as OEMs. System builders are small businesses who build and sell new PCs or servers.
In some cases, system builders will license a copy of the Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 operating system software to their customers. This means that the software has become widely available to technical enthusiasts who want to build their own Media Center.
The software from system builders is an OEM version, which means that support is provided by whoever installs it. This can be a critical and costly oversight for anyone building his or her own Media Center PC. If you install it yourself, you'll be responsible for your own support. As I don't work with hardware and different configurations on a regular basis, this lack of support was the main thing that concerned me.
Still, I know that some Media Center enthusiasts are attempting to build their own systems and so I decided to try to upgrade one of my existing computers. I purchased a new video card that was supported, added a TV tuner card and installed a decoder. I obtained a copy of the software and installed Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005. As Media Center requires a clean installation, it took a lot of additional time and work to backup and to verify the files and data that I didn't want to lose. All other programs had to be reinstalled as well.
Once I finally got everything up and running, the computer was never stable for more than two weeks. Reinstalling drivers, often several times, generally would get the system working again, at least for a short time. This was frustrating and certainly not something that most people would expect to handle.
I wasn't alone. The Media Center newsgroup was full of troubled stories as people tried to build their own systems without following the hardware recommendations supplied by Microsoft.
Since upgrading my system hadn't worked as well as I'd hoped, I decided to build a new system to see if I had the same problems.
Like many other users, I wanted a computer that would not only work as a Media Center, but be a great gaming computer, too. I wanted a system that I could use for several years.
How to choose components
The first thing I realized was that the systems weren't going to be inexpensive. I did a lot of research before deciding on components. Quality was most important with overall value a close second. After all, this was going to be a computer that would serve several purposes for at least 3 years.
The list of parts I wanted to consider was fairly long.
As I was going to be attending the Consumer Electronics Show, it was an opportunity to speak to many vendors in person before finalizing my decision.
I wanted to see an Intel-based system and an AMD 64-bit system side by side using similar components on each, so I decided to build 2 systems rather than just one. I had a lot of information from the Consumer Electronics show, and after further research on Web sites and checking reviews, I finalized my choices and then started checking pricing.
Components selected
Note: Each motherboard has onboard 7.1 Surround sound. I elected to use the SoundBlaster card for exceptional sound. Using the onboard sound will save you a considerable amount of money.
The display used is something you'll want to consider as well. I chose a couple of different models for different reasons. The larger monitor I chose is an LG 1980U. This is a 19-inch model that pivots to portrait mode. This was perfect for me since I also use a Tablet PC regularly and having the ability to mirror the Tablet screen on the larger monitor in portrait is a great feature.
The other unit I selected is ideal if you want to connect everything, including your Xbox, but don't have a lot of space. The Zenith Z15LA7R has a bright, clear picture for TV or video. This 15-inch unit has a VGA connection as well as RGB and video in. This has become the main desktop monitor for the Media Center PCs while I use the LG with my work computer.
Pricing a computer from an online system
Now let's build and price this system using reputable online system builders with similar components. (Please note that prices frequently change and those mentioned here were current when this article was written.)
Buying from a system builder, either locally or online, means that you choose the components and the computer is delivered to you ready to go!
I used the components listed above and priced the complete system from several different online system builders. As you can see, there wasn't a lot of difference in the price. Doing this allows you to follow the intent of Microsoft licensing, get a customized system, and have the support of a trained professional who builds the system for you.
Online Shop | Vendor #1 | Vendor #2 | Vendor #3 | Vendor #4 | Average |
AMD | $2365 | $2972 | $2358 | $2782 | $2619 |
Intel | N/A | $2932 | $2388 | $2573 | $2631 |
None of the systems included a TV Tuner option, so add $146 for Hauppauge 500MCE.
Because the Aspire case wasn’t a choice on these custom sites, the above systems were configured using the Antec LanBoy aluminum case and adding the 480W Power Supply. As above, using the standard power supply saves approximately $100. Many system builders offer an extended 3-year warranty for very little additional cost.
Find a local source
Many of the smaller neighborhood computer shops give outstanding service at no additional cost. Often, these shops will take care of any hardware problems immediately, replacing the part for you and then handling the warranty with the companies themselves.
If you use your computer all the time and can't afford the time it takes to remove faulty hardware and then get an RMA, pack it up, ship it off, and wait for the new or repaired part to be returned to you, this is something you'll want to check into. One problem can more than pay for the difference in the original cost of the computer. Remember that value doesn't always equal the lowest cost.
There are several other benefits to using a local system builder:
| • | Local access |
| • | Competitive pricing |
| • | Available tech support |
| • | Choice of components |
| • | Knowledge of parts and reputation of companies |
| • | Fast service |
Before contracting with anyone, follow these tips:
| • | Check the builder's reputation! Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce are good sources. |
| • | Make sure that the price and service policies are clear and in writing. |
| • | Don't pay for anything until you have a contract. |
| • | If you don't feel comfortable, don't sign anything, even if the price is outstanding. You'll be dealing with the shop for some time to come. |
The value of support
The components I chose are top quality and will work as both a Media Center and a powerful gaming computer. Either should be functional for any other use you may want as well. These systems should last for several years with very few upgrades over that time.
If you want to choose all components yourself, visit your local computer shop to see how much they'd charge to put the system together for you. Check with them before you even start ordering. Often, they can get the same items and often at better prices. As you can see from the charts above, the cost of having a system builder build your machine may not be much different than buying the components and trying to build one yourself, and in some instances may be even less expensive.
One of my fellow MVPs, Larry Samuels, states that he discounts components to consumers when building a system. Larry says, "To figure the average cost of a system from a small OEM, you can total the retail cost of the parts and subtract 2.5 percent. That is the average discount most of us use for pre-building a system vs. purchasing the individual parts."
As an example, his company, Affordable Computers offers its Monster Media Center/Gamer System using an MSI motherboard with a P4 3.4Ghz HT Prescott processor for under $2000.
The true value in buying from an OEM or a System Builder will be that your new computer, operating system as well as components, will be fully supported.
Terri Stratton, Expert Zone Columnist and Windows XP Tablet PC MVP, is the owner and editor of The Tablet PC and The Media Center PC, each known for their wealth of information and comprehensive comparison charts. Tablet PCs became Terri's specialized area of expertise when they were first launched in November 2002.
