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[TheBoy]

Or, in the UK, Media Centre

As regulars will know, its been pissing me off recently, suffering from very regular BSODs. Very regular. Like most times it comes out of standby

Running through the crash dumps has not identified a specific error, though I have a gut feeling its associated around the audio card (onboard) and the Management Engine - disable either, the problem reduces. Disable both, it seems the problem goes away. Given up trying to locate the specific fault, given it seems to be something related to motherboard. Which would fit in with it getting massively worse after a BIOS update.

So, this lot turned up this week:


And will be going in my existing case and using my existing tuners (Blackgold BGT6320 and Hauppauge HVR2200). Case shown with front flaps open:


And no, it won't be Windows 8

[TheBoy]

Spec will be:

i5 3470T dual core 35W processor with HD2500 graphics
2 x 2Gb 1.35v DIMMs
3Tb HDD, connected at 6Gbps SATA
DVD writer, connected at SATA1
BGT6320 dual Freeview HD tuner
HVR2200 dual Freeview tuner
Windows 7 (undecided on 32 or 64bit)

[Rods2]

I hope this cures you blue screen of death. 

I surprised you aren't waiting for Windows 8, then it won't matter as you will not be able to navigate to get to anything anyway. 

[TheBoy]

I hope this cures you blue screen of death. 

I surprised you aren't waiting for Windows 8, then it won't matter as you will not be able to navigate to get to anything anyway. 

Win 8, whilst it looks a mess/inconsistent initially, doesn't offer anything (for Media Centers) that Win7 does. Plus, Remote Potato won't work. Oh, and Win 8 MCE is a chargable add-on.

But mostly because I have a handful of Win7 licences

[TheBoy]

1st snag.

Can't find my thermal paste anywhere. Nasty feeling someone borrowed it, and did not return. *Sigh*

[aaronjb]

I have some AS-III, been in the fridge for a while but probably still good.. might be able to drop it off on Saturday afternoon if that's any use to you?

Your MC is a far cry from mine - a little Asus Eee PC EB1501P (Atom/Ion powered) running XBMC on Linux.. but then it does no PVR duties (never did advance further than a Sky+ box for that!).

I did hook up a new TV the other day, though; 70" Sharp Aquos LED..

[tunnie]

Looking good, my "Media Centre" spec is about 6 years old 

What you doing with the old graphics card?

[STMO123]

Please don't show any more pics of things with their front flaps open. Thank you.

[Elite Pete]

Is that VHS or Betamax TB

[STMO123]

Is that VHS or Betamax TB

It'an 8 track.

[dad1uk]

Is that VHS or Betamax TB

It'an 8 track.

Now there's a blast from the past
I used to love my 8 track

[TheBoy]

I have some AS-III, been in the fridge for a while but probably still good.. might be able to drop it off on Saturday afternoon if that's any use to you?

Your MC is a far cry from mine - a little Asus Eee PC EB1501P (Atom/Ion powered) running XBMC on Linux.. but then it does no PVR duties (never did advance further than a Sky+ box for that!).

I did hook up a new TV the other day, though; 70" Sharp Aquos LED..

Picked some up from Craplin last night, so all good, thanks. Just need to get off my (slightly hungover) backside and continue.

I'm tied to MS Media Center for following reasons:
Using the XBOXes I've bought as Extenders, to use the MCE anywhere around the house.
Remote Potato for remote scheduling, and remote streaming/pics/music anywhere I have a 3G/Wifi signal.
Its my only device, except amp, under telly, so has to be capable of playing/displaying anything.
and most importantly...  ...its simple enough, even Mrs TB can use it

[TheBoy]

Looking good, my "Media Centre" spec is about 6 years old 

What you doing with the old graphics card?

From the old MCE? It was an integrated Intel X4500HD. So unless you're shit hot with a soldering iron... 

[tunnie]

Looking good, my "Media Centre" spec is about 6 years old 

What you doing with the old graphics card?

From the old MCE? It was an integrated Intel X4500HD. So unless you're shit hot with a soldering iron... 

Bugger! Was hoping to get a cheapo upgrade 

[TheBoy]

Looking good, my "Media Centre" spec is about 6 years old 

What you doing with the old graphics card?

From the old MCE? It was an integrated Intel X4500HD. So unless you're shit hot with a soldering iron... 

Bugger! Was hoping to get a cheapo upgrade 

6yrs old puts it in P4 territory. Its done its time. Bin it