Building the Perfect PC

Building the System

Figure 6-5 shows the major components of the HTPC. The ASUS A7N8X Deluxe motherboard and the Logitech DiNovo Media Desktop keyboard and mouse are on top of the Antec Overture case, with the Plextor PX-504A DVD burner and the ATi All-In-Wonder 9600 Pro video adapter to the right. In front, from left to right, are two 256 MB sticks of Corsair PC3200 memory, the Athlon XP processor, the Seagate Barracuda hard drive, and the Dynatron CPU cooler.

Figure 6-5. HTPC components, awaiting construction

Note

We build systems on the kitchen table because it provides plenty of work room, easy access from front and rear, and plenty of light, all of which are important. Barbara isn’t happy about having her kitchen table thus occupied, but when Robert explained that the alternative was using her antique dining room table, she grudgingly agreed that the kitchen table was the better choice. Wherever you choose to build your system, make sure it provides sufficient workspace, easy access, and good lighting. Spousal approval is optional, but highly recommended.

You needn’t follow the exact sequence we describe when building your own system. For example, some people prefer to install the drives before installing the motherboard, while others prefer the converse. The best sequence may depend on the case you use and the components you are installing. For example, some case and motherboard ...