WEEKEND PROJECT: Convert an old PC into an MP3 jukebox Weekend wisdomNeed more advice? Have tips to give? Go to the desktop forum to share your insights.Convert an old PC into an MP3 jukeboxStep 2:
Before you get started with this project, we recommend that you have the following:
Tools to turn a PC into a jukebox
Small-form-factor PC cases
Looking to build a PC from scratch? SFF (small-form-factor) cases will keep your CPU in a compact shell.
Editors' First Choice
This sleek, compact case from AOpen will house the processor and RAM configuration of your choice.
Read more about the AOpen XC Cube MZ855-IICheck latest pricesThis product is available at the following retail stores
Internal hard drives
If you're looking to build your own digital music jukebox, a truckload of hard disk space is a must. Replace your aging platters with one of these behemoths.
Editors' First Choice
Western Digital's massive 320GB hard drive will handily store your entire music collection--and then some.
Read the Western Digital Caviar SE WD3200JB reviewCheck latest pricesThis product is available at the following retail stores
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Operating systems
Your old PC probably still has Microsoft Windows 95, 98, or maybe even 2000 installed. For the ultimate digital music jukebox, however, you're better off trading up for the latest Windows operating system: XP.
Editors' First Choice
XP is a worthwhile upgrade from 95/98 or Windows 2000. Unless you need corporate administration tools, XP Home Edition should suffice for most--even for small businesses.
Read the Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition reviewCheck latest pricesThis product is available at the following retail stores
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Sound cards
The latest crop of sound cards up the ante with multichannel sound, a slew of audio outputs, robust feature sets, and more.
Editors' First Choice
Creative's new Sound Blaster X-Fi cards impress with their audio quality and feature sets, but they don't come cheap.
Read the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Music reviewCheck latest pricesThis product is available at the following retail stores
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PC speakers
That clunker PC of yours probably has a pair of tinny speakers to match. For the best digital music experience, consider sinking some cash into a pair of new premium speakers.
Editors' First Choice
Logitech's next-generation, high-end 2.1 speakers deliver nearly everything we could hope for.
Read the Logitech Z-2300 reviewCheck latest pricesThis product is available at the following retail stores
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Optical drives
Yank that old CD-ROM drive out of your old PC and invest in the latest generation of dual-layer DVD drives, which are good for more than 8GB of storage.
Editors' First Choice
This dual-format, dual-layer DVD burner is perfect for archiving your massive music collection.
Read more about the Plextor PX-740ACheck latest pricesThis product is available at the following retail stores
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Wireless networking cards
Love shopping for new music? If so, you'll want your digital music PC hooked into your wireless network so that you can browse online music shops and download the latest tunes.
Editors' First Choice
The DWL-G520 is a good choice if you own an older PC that lacks USB 2.0 ports.
Read more about the D-Link DWL-G520 AirPlus Xtreme G wireless PCI adapterCheck latest pricesThis product is available at the following retail stores
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Music-management software
The more music you have on your PC, the more you need to keep it organized for easy perusal and backed up for safety's sake. These music-management apps will keep your favorite albums at your fingertips and archived for safekeeping.
Editors' First Choice
Nero 7's new features and low price keep it at the pinnacle of CD-/DVD-authoring suites.
Read more about Nero 7 Ultra EditionCheck latest pricesThis product is available at the following retail stores
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Convert an old PC into an MP3 jukebox
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