Help me build a new Media Center PC

[Nancypants]

I'm in the market to build a new PC in the next few weeks. Right now, I am without a desktop, and my laptop (T43p) is on its last legs. I'm looking to spend less than about $1500. I'll answer the basic questions then explain what I'm thinking.

Primary Use: Home theater TV: Watching videos, moderate gaming (at 1080p), some development

Budgett: $1500-ish

Country: USA (probably order from newegg)

Brand Preferences: Not too picky, I tried to pick stuff that did well in that particular price range.

Parts to reuse: I already have a TV/monitor, speakers. I need a wireless keyboard/mouse though.

Searched previous threads? Yes, I've been doing some research and lurking to try and piece together parts that seem well received here.

Overclocking: Most definitely. I will probably see what I can do at or near stock voltages.

Resolution: Most gaming on my TV, so 1920x1080. I will likely have a second monitor (1280x1024) for more mundane stuff.

When: Sooner the better. My laptop won't limp along for too long and I'll need a PC after it fails. Probably ordering the parts by this weekend (3/6).


Right now, this PC will be used for about 50% watching videos, 30% gaming, 20% visual studio. I would like to go quad core, since the price barrier is so low anyways. I am leaning towards the Phenom II Black editions right now, but I can be swayed by a persuasive argument. I'm also looking into higher end graphics: right now I'm leaning towards the the Radeon HD 5870.

Let me know if you have any suggestions, I will probably put together a wishlist later on and post that for critiquing.

Thanks

 

[Lonyo]

Do you want a PC you can hook up to your TV, or do you want an HTPC?

An HTPC to me would probably be something mATX or ITX and sit nicely with other A/V stuff near the TV.
A PC that I hooked up to the TV would be something totally different.

A nice little HTPC would be something like a Core i3/i5 on one of the new ITX mobos AT recently reviewed, with something like an HD5770 for reasonable graphics power without using too much power/being too hot, but that doesn't seem to be what you are going for.

 

[heyheybooboo]

How will you handle your audio?

Do you have a SS receiver and speaker set-up?

Do you wish to integrate Blu-Ray into the HTPC or use a stand-alone player?

Do you need substantial storage for your 'media library' ? (something like a 5-bay external enclosure?)




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[Nancypants]

It would probably be more of a PC hooked up to my TV. This will be my primary entertainment PC for Web browsing, gaming, movies, etc. Ideally, I would like to use this as a DVR eventually. The most CPU intense stuff I will do is going to mainly be compiling code, decoding video files and some occasional 3D modelling.

I guess I'm not too familiar with what separates a media PC from an HTPC...

 

[Nancypants]

If I am not mistaken, a HTPC is generally just quieter, possibly smaller, and the primary function will be to serve up content on a TV. This computer will hopefully do that, though noise and size are not limiting concerns. It would also be used as a general PC on a desk near my TV.

 

[piasabird]

I have seen some commercials (Best Buy) about just sending video wirelessly to the TV. You got any ideas on this? I was wondering what method they are using. Having an HDMI-Out would be nice also.

I would be tempted to try the new Intel Processors with integrated HD Video. Just try to see if worked befor I purchased a new video card.

A nice Big Honkin HD might be nice too. Maybe 1TB or so.

Have no clue about TV cards.

They have been advertising Integra Receivers for TV/sound System. I wonder if they can integrate with a computer. Some models can connect to a Home Network and even play internet radio and USB devices also.