HTPC Project Build

[Stokes]

I'm looking to build an HTPC to fulfill the majority of my computer needs (minus laptop). I do want gaming on it as well as make it an HTPC. Besides gaming the other primary uses will be watching/recording TV as well as watching Blu-ray HD content.

The computer will be in the US, with no brand preference, and will not be overclocking and want to have things order late tonight.

I will be using Windows Vista 64bit and I will be using an Syntax Olevia 37" HVS LCD TV.

Build:

Antec Silver Fusion 430 - $169.99
ASUS P5K-VM LGA 775 Intel G33 Micro ATX - $104.99
Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 Wolfdale 2.53GHz - $131.99
Scythe SCMNJ-1000 80mm Sleeve "NINJA MINI - $34.99
Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) - $54.99
Western Digital Caviar GP WD10EACS 1TB 5400 to 7200 RPM - $199.99
LG Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model GGC-H20L - $199.99
Logitech Harmony 880- $159.99
XFX PVT88PYSF4 GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express w/Quiet and cool ZALMAN fan - $169.99
AVerMedia AVerTV Combo PCIe MCE ATSC/NTSC/QAM Tuner Card- $99.99
Microsoft Entertainment Desktop 7000 - $129.99

Total Price minus rebates: $1478.89

I'm looking to find areas that I can trim up the price a bit, however I want to keep the case. I also have a PS3 and haven't really thought about or know how I want to do the audio for everything and keep everything interconnected? I'm guessing a reciever? I also need audio home theater recommendations and will i need my cable companies box?

 

[Stokes]

bumpy

 

[ther00kie16]

Case: Sorry to start in the opposite direction but I'd recommend the Thermaltake dh-101 for ~$215 shipped from directron because it's such a beautiful htpc case and I think it's much better than the Fusion.
MB/CPU: I don't know much about Intel motherboards for htpc but that G33 does seem insufficient without any hdmi/dvi ports (maybe wait for G45/G43 or nvidia 8200/8300). You could trim the cost bygoing with a Gigabyte 780g mb and a AMD 4850e but I don't know if the $50 savings will merit the potentially huge difference in CPU power, though it may not make much of a difference if you are just watching videos, doing everyday work and playing games.
CPU cooler: You could save a little by getting an Arctic Cooling Freezer which will be plenty for a dual core. Or you could just go with stock heatsink.
RAM: You can find ram cheaper than that, fry's has the same thing for $20 after rebate.
HD: 750GB offers better GB/$ ratio and is only $120 or less.
Optical: Same drive is only $168 at mwave though I think they are out of stock for now. eWiz and allstarshop also have the drive for $170ish.
Remote: Shop around a little or try ebay and you can potentially get it for $100. Or maybe the 550 for $50-$60.
GPU: For the same price after rebate, try the Gigabyte 8800gt (same cooler too) because it's factory clocked at 700mhz (probably means a better chip) and comes with free Neverwinter Nights II.
TV card: Great choice at a great price. Though if you don't need remote, it can be had for the $80 without the rebate at amazon. Also, Hauppauge 1600 cards have basically the same features but use PCI and are slightly cheaper at circuitcity.com
KB/Mouse: only $100 at provantage.

Edit: Actually, you could cut out the integrated video because you have a 8800gt. So try a $90 Intel p35 DS3L.

 

[cparker]

Anand recently wrote an article here on Anandtech on his own htpc project. You might find it helpful.

 

[ther00kie16]

Otherwise, avsforum has a huge thread with tons of info nicely organized on how to build your htpc