New HTPC - WMC Extender build - What to prioritize?

[wcassell]

My current tower PC (4 years old) just fried it's Motherboard, and I'm debating whether I want to get an updated MB and CPU for it, or build a new HTPC from scratch. Here's my scenario:

- Currently used the PC as my WMC server using a networked HD Homerun Prime tuner and 2 hard wired network XBOXs as the extenders
- Live TV is the primary use, but also use it as a DVR
- Machine is always on (since it's my server), but not typically doing much high intensity work (exception would be stripping commercials out of recorded TV content)
- No complaints with WMC through the XBOX, only wish it were a bit more responsive. Would having it on an SSD help there?


Given this, what's highest priority if I'm going to do a new build?
- MB with good onboard GPU?
- SSD to speed up response times?
- CPU to handle video transcoding?

[adam1991]

I'm guessing SSD is all you would add to the mix, if anything.

What transcoding are you doing?

[kingwr]

For my part, adding an SSD to the Mediacenter "server" made the most significant change in performance in my DMA2100s than anything else I have done. I don't know if that will translate to performance improvements on the XBox 360, because I think it is a little different in how it interacts (e.g. it has animated transitions and such).

Just make sure you don't put any recorded TV or buffers on the SSD.

[wcassell]

I'm guessing SSD is all you would add to the mix, if anything.

What transcoding are you doing?

Mostly using Comskip to detect commercials (not official transcoding), however I do some light conversion using Airvideo to get some video onto the IPad.