I currently have an AMD A4-3300, 8gb RAM (it was a special), 1TB Samsung drive (also a special), and a Xonar DG soundcard (need optical out), running OpenElec. It gets all content over 1gb Ethernet from a Synology DS1511+ with 5x2TB Samsung drives. After working with modified ATV's, WDTV's, and a couple PC versions, I'm thinking about tackling something a little more advanced. Here's a few things I want to accomplish:
1. Switch to Intel/NVIDIA. I'm sick of high CPU usage and compatibility issues with ATI stuff. While most of these have been resolved, I'd like to go 100% and take advantage of the 64-bit OpenElec and VDPAU.
2. I currently access the NAS over Ethernet. I'm considering using eSATA. While that sort of bandwith isn't even remotely necessary, remember this is a project for my own amusement![Smile]( "Smile")
3. I really really want to be able to play 3D movies from the NAS. I know OpenElec's 3D support is pretty limited, but I've heard I can do it from a BR image. This is acceptable. I have a BR burner I seldom use, I could put this in as well.
4. I've thought it would be cool to integrate MAME (or more)
5. I would switch to an SSD (I have a spare Samsung 830 128gb from my laptop), but for some reason my current Asrock motherboard reboots right at POST with it connected :/
6. Thinking about a TV tuner, but it's not necessary right now. I live with a friend who has satellite, so this isn't a high priority.
**7. This has been a big one, but I don't think it'll happen anytime soon: use BSD so I have a more stable and faster OS. But I've heard the hardware support will make this definitely not worthwhile.
Recommendations on hardware? As for Intel, I'm thinking of going Sandy Bridge, maybe an i3.
Any other novel ideas? I've gotten so bored I have my Harmony One controlling my A/C LOL.
1. Switch to Intel/NVIDIA. I'm sick of high CPU usage and compatibility issues with ATI stuff. While most of these have been resolved, I'd like to go 100% and take advantage of the 64-bit OpenElec and VDPAU.
2. I currently access the NAS over Ethernet. I'm considering using eSATA. While that sort of bandwith isn't even remotely necessary, remember this is a project for my own amusement
3. I really really want to be able to play 3D movies from the NAS. I know OpenElec's 3D support is pretty limited, but I've heard I can do it from a BR image. This is acceptable. I have a BR burner I seldom use, I could put this in as well.
4. I've thought it would be cool to integrate MAME (or more)
5. I would switch to an SSD (I have a spare Samsung 830 128gb from my laptop), but for some reason my current Asrock motherboard reboots right at POST with it connected :/
6. Thinking about a TV tuner, but it's not necessary right now. I live with a friend who has satellite, so this isn't a high priority.
**7. This has been a big one, but I don't think it'll happen anytime soon: use BSD so I have a more stable and faster OS. But I've heard the hardware support will make this definitely not worthwhile.
Recommendations on hardware? As for Intel, I'm thinking of going Sandy Bridge, maybe an i3.
Any other novel ideas? I've gotten so bored I have my Harmony One controlling my A/C LOL.