Albatron Geforce 6150 GPU mobo (help me build HTPC)

[PerfectCr]

http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=26370
http://techreport.com/onearticle.x/8804

I wonder if this is finally the HTPC dream board we have been looking for? So I'd like a HTPC to do some light gaming, but mostly for the usual stuff like viewing my video and picture collection on HDTV, browsing the net, and stuff. I already have a HD-DVR, so I do NOT need a TV Tuner card. I also have the Logitech Z-5500 speakers so I am covered with DD and DTS decoding.
Here is what I really want to do:
Wirelessly stream (or transfer) files from my main PC in bedroom to the living room PC. Do I need special software for that? I already have the wireless router and I will get a wireless PCI Card with this board. How do I do that?

I figure I will just get the cheapest 939 chip available when the board comes out. I also need a case. How is the Antec Overture? I want to spend AS LITTLE money as possible, and I want it to be quiet.

And yes, I do know about HTPCnews.com so please forego the obiligatory link. Thanks!

[Usacomp2k3]

In terms of wireless, no there's nothing special. XP SP2's built in wireless config is quite good. Plus most network card drivers have their own managers, which some prefer. Be prepared that wireless is going to be rather slow, and I wouldn't recommend it except for the occasional file access. In my experiences, it is just too slow for largish transfers.

[flybywire]

Be prepared that wireless is going to be rather slow, and I wouldn't recommend it except for the occasional file access. In my experiences, it is just too slow for largish transfers.

I'll second that. In my experience as well, the current crop of wireless protocols just can't cut it with regards to streaming videos. If you expect seamless streaming of video files using wireless then you'll be sorely disappointed.

[PerfectCr]

Be prepared that wireless is going to be rather slow, and I wouldn't recommend it except for the occasional file access. In my experiences, it is just too slow for largish transfers.

I'll second that. In my experience as well, the current crop of wireless protocols just can't cut it with regards to streaming videos. If you expect seamless streaming of video files using wireless then you'll be sorely disappointed.

Damn, that sucks, even at 54mbps? I am guessing it never comes close to that speed then huh.

[flybywire]

Damn, that sucks, even at 54mbps? I am guessing it never comes close to that speed then huh.

You have to remember that 54mbps can only be achieved under 'optimal' operating conditions. And we all know how rare those instances can be, given the sheer number of variables that can affect wireless performance. I've had so many headaches dealing with wireless that I only use it for web browsing on my pda and one remote computer in my home.

I wish I could say better things about the current wireless technology. Oh well, we can always hope that the next generation of wireless tech provides more bandwidth and reliability.

[Vrock]

I'll second that. In my experience as well, the current crop of wireless protocols just can't cut it with regards to streaming videos. If you expect seamless streaming of video files using wireless then you'll be sorely disappointed.

How can this be, when DVD video averages 6-8 mbps? You'd think wireless would be more than enough to transfer that.

[flybywire]

I'll second that. In my experience as well, the current crop of wireless protocols just can't cut it with regards to streaming videos. If you expect seamless streaming of video files using wireless then you'll be sorely disappointed.

How can this be, when DVD video averages 6-8 mbps? You'd think wireless would be more than enough to transfer that.

Yeah, you would think. But from my experiences, it just didn't work very well. Perhaps other people out there are having better results than I have.

[Vrock]

Yeah, you would think. But from my experiences, it just didn't work very well. Perhaps other people out there are having better results than I have.

I would bet it has less to do with bandwidth and more to do with signal drop out.

[flybywire]

Yeah, you would think. But from my experiences, it just didn't work very well. Perhaps other people out there are having better results than I have.

I would bet it has less to do with bandwidth and more to do with signal drop out.

I suppose that would be a better explanation. I just wish that wireless would be more reliable and not be so finicky. It really is true that one can't have a cake and it eat it too.

[PerfectCr]

So, if I wanted to try and stream video wirelessly to the pc, or simply transfer files, how exactly do I do that if box boxes are running WinXP Home?

[Flying Fox]

XP home allow "simple file sharing" which is essentially the same as normal file sharing with a dummy-down interface. The way to map drives and stuff are the same.

For real streaming, there are streaming server apps out there that you may be able to find. VLC is supposed to be one.

[PerfectCr]

Any Case suggestions?