Can I turn this into an HTPC?

[krisstivers]

I'm building a new computer for my parents and I was just curious if I could turn their old one into an HTPC. Here is a link to the specs:

http://support.gateway.com/s/PC/R/4053/4053sp3.shtml

It had already been upgraded to 3 GB of RAM and of course, I would definitely add a dedicated graphics card.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

[krisstivers]

I mainly want it to use with Windows Media Center. I would also like it to be able to play flash/Hulu videos in HD. flawlessly.

Would it be sufficient enough to add a Blu-ray optical drive?

[DrasticPlastic]

If it would play blu ray's, it would be doing so just barely, but I would reccomend getting a ATI Radeon 4350 card and giving it a shot.

[Xerios]

as far as flawlessly i dont know, i think the processor is weak, but thats me.. im gonna wait for some1 else to chime in so i can bounce ideas from them

[kris26]

Originally Posted by krisstivers

I'm building a new computer for my parents and I was just curious if I could turn their old one into an HTPC. Here is a link to the specs:

http://support.gateway.com/s/PC/R/4053/4053sp3.shtml

It had already been upgraded to 3 GB of RAM and of course, I would definitely add a dedicated graphics card.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

hey man

its always better to change it to
new mobo
new processor
ram
powersupply unit
and bluray rom/burner

new mobo there are alot of motherboards with integrated graphics cards
for about 65.00 dollars
processors :check microcenter they had a sale once in a while core2duo for 99.00 dollars

psu:30.00

[DrasticPlastic]

my current media pc has a 3.0 ghz. Pentium D, which is basically a dual core p4, and it plays blu ray's flawlessly, so his may do ok, but there is only one way to find out.

[azncarbos]

If you are only going to run WMC and some onlie line stuff, you be fine.... I would recommend picking up better graphic card but you need to replace the power supply unit to a more powerful one to support better graphic card and blu ray player( if you are planning to add one)... other then that it would great little HTPC....also install Windows 7 you be surprise how well it run with your system too.....

[DrasticPlastic]

If you swap out the drive in the pc for a blu ray drive, and go with a radeon 4350 as I suggested, you won't need to upgrade the power supply, but make sure before you buy a blu ray drive that the pc you will be using it in has a SATA drive, not IDE, otherwise you would need an external USB drive.

[Uniquely]

Originally Posted by krisstivers

I mainly want it to use with Windows Media Center. I would also like it to be able to play flash/Hulu videos in HD. flawlessly.

Would it be sufficient enough to add a Blu-ray optical drive?

I recently retired a 3.0 Ghz P4, with 2 gig of RAM and an ATI 1300 vid card. It worked just fine with WMC & Hulu. I see no reason the PC you posted could not work just fine for the things you mention with a memory and vid card upgrade.

[mr. b]

I've been thinking of doing the same thing with a 3.2 ghz P4 computer that I have. I already have it connected to my tv. I have the SATA drive, 3gbs of ddr2 ram, and I want to pick up a newer graphics card and blu-ray drive to see if it would work as an htpc. I'll most likely build a newer htpc with components swiped from this computer later, but I just thought of starting on it now with what I have.

I'm curious to see if you can get it to work. I'll be keeping on eye on this thread for any updates.

[azncarbos]

With your spec..... it will run fine....becuase im my garage.... I'm running AMD x2 4200+ (socket 939) OC to 2.8GHz with 4GB 3200 DDR, one EVGA 8800GTS 512MB, 200GB SATA and it running MC smoothly...... I mostly use it to stream music from my server in my room and watch HD video too.

[satishbhawra53]

best information thanks for the msg