I will be detailing my networking/HTPC related setup as it nears what I am considering completion for others to reference to. The HTPC is a couple years old but still can playback 1080p x264 video without problem, however if I was to build another right now I would go with a dual core atom setup based on the Nvidia Ion platform. I highly recommend a bluetooth keyboard to reduce headaches. If you plan on streaming 1080p over the network, cat5e or cat6 is recommended with a gigabit switch.
I will be finishing up my network project, and building a NAS featuring Windows Home Server in the near future with pictures.
HTPC
Shuttle SG31G2 Barebones
E2200 Core 2 Duo
2GB Ram
ATI 2600XT video card (HDMI video/audio out)
Asus Bluetooth Dongle
Logitech Bluetooth PS3 Mediaboard (cheapest bluetooth keyboard with trackpad)
Windows 7 64bit
Essential Software
Boxee (local and network media access, amazing interface, applications including Netflix, Pandora, Revision3, CNN, etc.)
Firefly Media Server
VLC
CCCP (codec pack plus windows media player classic, MKV, AVI, etc.)
Network (95% finished)
Motorola DSL modem
WRT54G-TM 802.11b/g router running Tomato firmware
Asus 8 port 10/100/1000 switch
Cat5e running to each room terminated in keystone jacks
NAS - Network Attached Storage Wanted to share this in particular after researching many methods of approaching NAS.
ss4200-e (Hackable, headless, celeron, 4 drive capacity, gigabit, Windows Home Server installable) Can be had on Newegg for $150 occasionally on sale or $169 on Ebay.
4x 1.5TB Samsung Hard Drives
Comes with intel NAS software installed
WHS has been figured out how to install without monitor
wiki info
I will be detailing my NAS experience early next week when everything comes in.
I will be finishing up my network project, and building a NAS featuring Windows Home Server in the near future with pictures.
HTPC
Shuttle SG31G2 Barebones
E2200 Core 2 Duo
2GB Ram
ATI 2600XT video card (HDMI video/audio out)
Asus Bluetooth Dongle
Logitech Bluetooth PS3 Mediaboard (cheapest bluetooth keyboard with trackpad)
Windows 7 64bit
Essential Software
Boxee (local and network media access, amazing interface, applications including Netflix, Pandora, Revision3, CNN, etc.)
Firefly Media Server
VLC
CCCP (codec pack plus windows media player classic, MKV, AVI, etc.)
Network (95% finished)
Motorola DSL modem
WRT54G-TM 802.11b/g router running Tomato firmware
Asus 8 port 10/100/1000 switch
Cat5e running to each room terminated in keystone jacks
NAS - Network Attached Storage Wanted to share this in particular after researching many methods of approaching NAS.
ss4200-e (Hackable, headless, celeron, 4 drive capacity, gigabit, Windows Home Server installable) Can be had on Newegg for $150 occasionally on sale or $169 on Ebay.
4x 1.5TB Samsung Hard Drives
Comes with intel NAS software installed
WHS has been figured out how to install without monitor
wiki info
I will be detailing my NAS experience early next week when everything comes in.