It all started about a week ago when I installed the BioShock demo on the HTPC (Athlon2400+, 6800LE video card), to try it out on our projector. It ran, but just barely. Lots of pauses during the game (for things to load I presume?), so I thought, why don’t I just hook up my desktop (which just happens to be right besides the HTPC) which is a Athlon64 x2 4000+ with a 7600GS video card. This machine would run the game much better!
And this got me thinking…
Why do I need the HTPC? And why do I need it to be on 24/7?
Oh… I remember, it records my media.
So it got me thinking…

Why do I really NEED a X2 4000+ machine for my desktop? I don’t.
Why does the HTPC and the file server need to on 24/7? They don’t BOTH need to.

So, get rid of the Athlon 2400+ (current HTPC) machine. Make the X2 4000+ the theater+gaming machine, which gets turned on whenever I need play a game or watch a movie. Otherwise it’s off.

And on the file server, install MythTV and have that computer record shows.

And for my desktop, get a small medium powered laptop. (I was going to get rid of the bulky 19″ CRT and replace it with a LCD screen anyway) The laptop would allow for cleaner desk, and it’s portable, so I can do stuff away from the desk too! Bonus!