Memory

I had a 1 GB RAM which seemed sufficient for a HTPC. The Windows Experience Index gave my memory a decent score of 3.9. My machine, however, performed poorly. My CPU was always pegged and I thought of upgrading the processor.

I found that Win 64-bit OS has a minimum requirement of 2GB RAM to function properly. I got two 1-GB DIMMs from Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231047

I also used a 4 GB Sandisk Cruzer flash driver for ReadyBoost.

After the upgrade, my machine is very responsive.

Cost: $64.99 with coupon

Windows Experience Index: 4.5

Realtek High Definition Audio Codec

One of the hardware issues I had in migrating from Win XP MCE 2005 to Win 7 64-bit was that my SPDIF out didn’t work anymore and I had to resort to using the analog cable to connect to my audio receiver.

A High Definition Audio Codec for Realtek AC’97 Audio is now available that enables SPDIF again so you can now get the Dolby 5.1 experience.

http://download.cnet.com/Realtek-High-Definition-Audio-Codec-Windows-Vista-Windows-7/3000-2120_4-10788600.html?tag=mncol;pop

The AC’97 Audio Configuration has a Speaker Test which I haven’t been able to work although I get the Dolby experience when I listen to the music.