An overview of a Media Center PC from HP - Model m8300f

I was tired of only having eight hours of vcr capacity whenever I left town. I was thinking of building a new PC installing Windows XP Media Center Edition on it when I found this computer on close out at Fry's for $550. It has had mixed reviews so I did buy a 5 year extended warranty. I wound up with an amazing set of features and a lot more than a digital video recorder!

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• windows
• Vista
• Media
• Center
• PC
• HP
• Computer

[tyguide]

I think you might ask fuzzybeard - (below) - he is really sharp! Good luck!

[tyguide]

Fuzzy is right - the motherboard died recently - only 2-3 years in. I had an extended warranty at Fry's that will cover it. Nice computer, though loud as a freight train. The loaner than Fry's gave me is pretty sweet. I need a solution to get my limited cable and OTA HD channels running well through Media Center. Maybe a new TV tuner will help.

Heed Fuzzy's warning and back up your computer - this time bomb did go off. Still it has been a great computer for the money.

[JazzyPhil59]

Would this computer handle a game like call of duty or halo??

[tyguide]

I never played either. I use it as my TV, VCR, DVD, etc. Maybe someone else can comment.

[tyguide]

PS, I am not a gamer but this one has quite a bit of power.

[kingofsouth13]

hey i was wondering, did you buy this off the shelf or did you customize it online. cuase i want to buy a new media center but not sure if i should spend an extra 200 dollars for something that runs really well already. if this is the basic rig...would it do good with games

[tyguide]

Hi: I bought it off the shelf but did but a graphics card to try to get some better output options. Mine only had VGA, and one digital coax out. I would try to get more options next time. Only problem is crappy resolution watching standard cable. Digital TV using an antenna looks great. Good luck!

[YunisBrown]

so, just plug in the cable wire in the back and i am good to go? i have verizon cable. Do i need the remote for all that, can it be done with out, thanks buddy

[NoriesW]

i am a big computer geek i know alot about computers

i can fix computers

i can build a computer from scratch

i love any thing that has to do with computers

my faviort brand of computers is hp

this computer is the HP Elite

[drunkenp0t]

forgot to mention my model m8330f can u tell me the maximum ram upgrade thx

[drunkenp0t]

500 dam i got rip off i bought mine for 1200 at 2007 640gb 3g ram

[xXlilmoeXx]

hello can i connect my gaming system (ps3) to the computer by using the av inputs on the front because ive had this copmuter for about 6months but idk how to use the inputs an u help me plz?

[KrazyVideoChick]

I have this computer.. for almost 3 years now... haven't had problems with it.. *knocks on wood*.. Only a virus which I had to get professionally removed, must thats more my fault than the computers/manufacturers.

[080594M127]

Nice computer I have a custom-built XP Media Center PC. It's really fast. You ought to install Windows 7 on that computer much better than Vista.

[fuzzybeard2016]

This model (m8300f) has a REALLY nasty habit of blowing up MB capacitors after 2 years of use. If you run across one that you are thinking about buying, check the capacitors by the CPU for any signs AT ALL of bulging!