I've already got a couple items from my previous build that I'd like to salvage if possible. Included are an intel 2 GHz chip, pre-'core 2' (it's pretty old), a 535W Enermax PSU, 3x 1GB of Kingston KVX DDR memory (also very old), two 160gb IDE HDDs, a EVGA 7600 GT GPU and a nameless mid-size case (smaller than an antec 900 but can still fit atx, albiet tightly)
Admittedly these components, except maybe the case and video card, are probably outdated enough to not be worth using, but i have a pretty tight budget ($300 or so if i'm building this year, more the longer i wait)
Are any of these components salvageable for use in an HTPC? If not, what should I be looking for? Is my budget prohibitively small such that I should abandon the idea until I have more to spend?
On a much broader scale, what exactly does an HTPC DO? What I would like it to do is provide a larger storage capacity for my saved DVR programs. I use Comcast and their DVRs on each of three TVs, each with unique recording needs, but each with only 120 gb of space (the TV I'd use the HTPC with is an HD and I would like to expand my space significantly) Other than expanded storage space, what else is an HTPC used for, given that I have a PS3 for Blu-Ray and a stereo receiver for audio?
Admittedly these components, except maybe the case and video card, are probably outdated enough to not be worth using, but i have a pretty tight budget ($300 or so if i'm building this year, more the longer i wait)
Are any of these components salvageable for use in an HTPC? If not, what should I be looking for? Is my budget prohibitively small such that I should abandon the idea until I have more to spend?
On a much broader scale, what exactly does an HTPC DO? What I would like it to do is provide a larger storage capacity for my saved DVR programs. I use Comcast and their DVRs on each of three TVs, each with unique recording needs, but each with only 120 gb of space (the TV I'd use the HTPC with is an HD and I would like to expand my space significantly) Other than expanded storage space, what else is an HTPC used for, given that I have a PS3 for Blu-Ray and a stereo receiver for audio?