Adrian Rundle - Media PC

Adrian Rundle's goal for his Media PC was to have ultra low power consumption and cost and iPhone/iTouch control. It would allow his family to easily access his backed-up movies and music on their server without the need for a keyboard or mouse. He says: "The XBMC software installed, and the XBMC remote software on the iTouch and iPhone make it incredibly easy to use.  The iPhone app will give you a list of availble movies/music, and selection in the app will start on the PC. Once you load the right CODEC pack, and strip the system ofunneeded services, will actually decode 1080p MKV files @ 25fps, aslong as there's no network traffic.

Adrian is an  IT professional who used to be the sales manager for a well known computer sales company.

CORE SYSTEM

CPU: Intel Atom n330 - $0
Low cost, low power consumption, enough power to decode up to 720p compressed files.

COOLING: Northbridge from a DFI975x  - $0
The stock cooler is a loud 4cm fan on a VERY small Heatsink.  The NB HS has 5 times the fin area, making just as efficient.

MOTHERBOARD: Intel D9455GCLF2 - $120.25
Has Serial and sVideo out.  Planned to use this setup for CAR PC if system was too slow at 720P, which it is not.  Still may use in Car.

GRAPHICS: Onboard, GM950 - $0
No real upgrade path.  Kinda stuck with it.

RAM: Kingston KVR1333D3N9K/2G - $59
Most that will fit.

HARD DRIVE 1: PQI 32gb SSD - $145
Due to possible use for Incar PC.

HARD DRIVE 2: Samsung 320gb HM320JI - $ 74
Drive for Itunes music. Not needed, and will be removed if installed into car.

OPTICAL DRIVE: Sony Laptop Drive - $0
Had one out of old laptop.

PSU: In case - $0
Is a laptop PSU.  Makes integration into car really easy.

CASE: Antec ISK300-65 - $109
Small, well built, runs a Laptop PSU, will hold 2x 80mm fans, and 2x laptop drives.  Again, perfect for Incar use.

Core system cost: AUD $507.25

EXTRAS

MONITOR: Sony Bravia KDL32V5500 - $1,099
Why you chose this monitor    Is media PC, is 1080p TV

KEYBOARD/MOUSE: None - $0
Not needed.  all access is remote, Via iPhone/iTouch or RDP.

OPERATING SYSTEM: Windows XP Home and XBMC
Once stripped of services that aren't needed, XP Home is a very fast op system. XBMC will open .ISO files without mounting them.

SOFTWARE
XBMC is free opensource, and the App i use was $3.99USD.