Setting up my HTPC

[sdat1333]

Hey everybody,
I am starting this thread because I am trying to figure out how to set up my HTPC for optimum performance. I have seen the other threads, but they are so long, I always get bored and lose focus.

Here's what I have:
Beyond TV 3.5
Beyond Media Beta
Nvidia GeForce 4 MX440 64mb video card
Win PVR250BTV
Firefly Remote(soon to come; ordered, not here yet)
17"flat screen display
AMD Sempron 2600
512 mb ram
5.1 surround sound speakers
80 gb 7200rpm hard drive

I do not want to buy any more stuff.
I tried ffdshow; I like the improvement, but now my TV is not fullscreen anymore, and it bugs me because it is played like a widescreen DVD

Please give me any suggestions you have to improve my setup.

[Eric3a]

Please give me any suggestions you have to improve my setup.

Read the forums, not get bored and not loose focus would be a good start!!!

Last I know, and unless a very recent version came out, FFDShow doesn't work with Mpeg2.

A lot more hard drive is probably a must. Also a much better video card wouldn't hurt.
Eric

[sdat1333]

Yah, I am definitely getting a new video card for my games

What do you think about this one:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...C-pr1c3grabb3r

As for the hard drive, How big?