HTPC Build for under 2000$

[lirsch]

Approximate Purchase Date: Soon, might be the current/next month. Would it be better to wait?
Budget Range: <$2000
System Usage from Most to Least Important: HTPC, Gaming, Graphic applications (3D Rendering, Photo retouch etc ...), Other random stuff
Parts Not Required: Listed below
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Preferably amazon because of no tax and free shipping, but things that are out of stock on amazon I can go to newegg or maybe tiger direct.
Country of Origin: Israel, but I can order from the US as well.
Parts Preferences: by brand or type: Intel/AMD CPU and preferably top of the line video card
Overclocking: Nope
SLI or Crossfire: Maybe in future.. probably not.
Monitor Resolution: Will be connected to a 720p 42" LCD Screen and in the future will be 42-45" 1080p LCD screen
Additional Comments: (by priority)
- I need a very quiet HTPC (even on gaming) so there's a priority for passive cooling components or very silent (no water cooling)
- Shall be connected to a receiver (might be onkyo tx-sr607), so I'll need the most advanced audio formats supported
- Power consumption should be as low as possible (mainly on idle)
- Stylish but sleek and simple look - in order to get my wife confirmation and in order to comply with my living room smooth and sleek look
- Fast - I like quick and fluent windows menus, home theater applicaitions running smoothly and it shall be also used for 3D homeplan rendering (but that's the lowest priority)

Parts I have in mind (Any insight or suggestions on these would be helpful):
CPU: Intel i5-760
CPU Cooler: SCYTHE SHURIKEN Rev.B
MOB: Gigabyte GA-H55M-USB3 (Kinda lost here, not updated with all the new features ...)
Case: Silverstone Grandia GD05 (Kinda old model, but it suppose to be quiet and sleek designed, isn't it?)
HDDs:
1. OCZ VERTEX 30GB (Already have it) (OS+Apps)
2. WD 2TB 7200RPM 64MB GREEN SATA2, WD20EARS
or 2 X Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB (Heavy Apps+Storage)
GPU:
- HIS Silence H555HB512 Radeon HD 5550 512MB
or
- GIGABYTE GV-R575SL-1GI Radeon HD 5750 1GB
Memory: G.Skill 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3-1333, 1.35v, 7-7-7-21, CL7 240-pin DIMM
PSU: Enermax Modu87+ 500W
Keyboard: LOGITECH BLUETOOTH KEYBOARD DINOVO EDGE - or - PERIXX-708 (Again, need your help here as well)
Remote control: Logitech Harmony one (Already have it)
More General questions:
- Any good AMD alternative to fullfil all requirements? which components should I add to it?
- Will all my components can be attached together in this suggested case?
- How much power or $ will I save if using for example Intel i3 core instead? or any AMD CPU will < 95W power consumption? does it worth the effort?

 

[Zap]

Nice case choice. Stuff will probably fit. Consider the

I have the DiNovo Edge on my main HTPC and really like it for HTPC use.

You need to decide on whether your software/games gets a huge advantage with a quad core. If not, then get either the cheapest dual core (Pentium G9650 is cheaper than Core i3, uses same motherboards and is under $100) or a dual core Core i5 600 series (high Turbo speeds).

What kind of games? The 5750 is probably minimal for any "real" gaming at 720p and once you upgrade your HDTV you'll probably be wanting more performance. I had problems running passively cooled cards in my HTPCs because HTPC cases often don't have the best airflow, and my cards would often overheat trying to run any game.

 

[mfenn]

Looks fine to me, though I would suggest the 5750 and the SS-400FL. A 400W PSU is plenty for an i5 and a 5750.

The Grandia has good cooling, so you should be OK with fanless components.

 

[lirsch]

Nice case choice. Stuff will probably fit. Consider the

I have the DiNovo Edge on my main HTPC and really like it for HTPC use.

You need to decide on whether your software/games gets a huge advantage with a quad core. If not, then get either the cheapest dual core (Pentium G9650 is cheaper than Core i3, uses same motherboards and is under $100) or a dual core Core i5 600 series (high Turbo speeds).

What kind of games? The 5750 is probably minimal for any "real" gaming at 720p and once you upgrade your HDTV you'll probably be wanting more performance. I had problems running passively cooled cards in my HTPCs because HTPC cases often don't have the best airflow, and my cards would often overheat trying to run any game.

First, thank you for your reply.
In games I mean for example - FIFA 2010, Americas Army.

 

[biostud]

what about a 6850 instead of the 5750?

 

[lirsch]

what about a 6850 instead of the 5750?

Do you know a passive one? what is the current best passive ATI graphic card on the market?

 

[mfenn]

Do you know a passive one? what is the current best passive ATI graphic card on the market?

Looks like the 5750 is the fastest fanless card at Newegg (AMD or otherwise).