[gambo]

I just purchased a refurbished quad 3.0ghz. It comes with a 250g HD, 1g ram and the 7300 GT

I currently have the 160g HD on my imac and a couple of DL DVDs MAXED. I'm not at all familiar with RAID and definitively scared by the price. I am not really interested in External HDs (only for esthetic reasons I'll be using my living room tv for a monitor). I am interested in setting up my MP as a tivo and would like a lot of space for recording ( 1TB maybe). I would also like another small HD for bootcamp/vista (150g is probably overkill ).

Do i need the mysterious and expensive RAID setup?

OWC has way to many HDs and i have no clue what kind of HD i need. All i really know is the higher the RPM and data buffer the faster. Do i use Serial ATA, 3.5" or SATA, I really have no idea. Memory is the only hardware i've ever touched.

Any ideas on how to best transform my MP to a home theatre system. i plan on investing about 2k (although i'm sure i'll spend more)

-I ordered another 2x2g of memory
-I'm holding out in hope the 8800gt becomes an option
-Dual-link DVI (2560 x 1600) to Hdmi cable or standard DVI (1920 x 1200) to Hdmi - will i notice a difference on my 42" 1080i TV?
-What are the advantages of the Blackmagic Intensity Pro Capture Card?
-The Elgato EyeTV the best way to go? If so witch one?
-Do i need a video converter?
-last but not least - Surround sound receiver/system that i can connect my 360/blu-ray/MP/Cable tv to?

How would you set it up?

[OreoCookie]

You cannot use your TV as a main monitor, it's unsuitable for computer work. If you want a media center, I recommend a Mac mini instead.

A RAID is unnecessary, unless you need all the storage in one volume.

[gambo]

I use my computers recreationally. I chose the MP for expandability and processing power. I wouldn't be able to use the mini for gaming. Sure i could have saved some money and got a MS product, but i prefer os x.

My computer work consists of email and the occasional letter. Gaming is going to be the only really demanding task. I want to sit in my living room and play command and conquer on my plasma, while i record american idol.

Will you help me out?

[mduell]

Why did you post another thread asking the same questions as another thread?

Stick to one thread.