Some opinions on a new HTPC

[b4u]

Hi,

I'm starting to look for a new PC. Some months ago, I read something about the Core i5 being a better alternative for the Core i7, in terms of bang-for-buck. So I was thinking about looking into it.

What I intend to do, is to create a HTPC and put it on my living room, right next to a HD TV. What I need it to do? Play movies, play music and display photos, I was thinking about using Media Portal or XBMC to the job, specially for ease of usage, since both wife and kids will use it.

Then I want to play some games ... no need to run the latest CPU/GPU intensive game at 5000x3000 resolution just a normal 1280x1024 with good frames will do. I do some strategy gaming and some COD ... and Modern Warfare 2 in in my list ... but only with a new PC.

So, and since I'm off this hardware topics for some time, a quick opinion from you guys would be helpful, for me to start looking into more detail about each hardware piece.

Price is not a "big" issue, I mean, I don't want to buy cheap for the hardware not to deliver what I need, still I don't intend to splash 400$ for a graphic card. I need that hot-spot that will just give me the right balance.

Operating system will be: Windows 7 64bit for gaming and compatibility, Ubuntu Desktop 64bit for my geek mind, since I love it

Also a nice looking HTPC case would be great ... no LCD as they get more expensive, the form ATX or microATX will depend on the hardware ... I don't want to buy hardware to fit the case. I want to buy what I want, THEN choose the case ... even if I have to adapt a shoe-box painted in black with some nice blue leds coming out

Thanks for your good opinions. Again. (that's why I keep coming to this forums )

 

[Blain]

Hi,
Also a nice looking HTPC case would be great ... no LCD as they get more expensive, the form ATX or microATX will depend on the hardware ...

Thanks for your good opinions. Again. (that's why I keep coming to this forums )

Please explain your "no LCD" comment after mentioning that you are looking for a nice case.

 

[b4u]

Please explain your "no LCD" comment after mentioning that you are looking for a nice case.

Eheh, the prettiest cases are the ones with the LCD integrated, like the Zalman HD160XT Plus, but I don't want a case with LCD included, just because that would make it a 400$-500$ case (unless there is one around that costs less than that).

For that, I prefer to reuse my LG 21" (or is it 22", can't remember) LCD I currently have ... and I could even play something in a good sized screen while someone watches TV.

 

[Blazer]

take a look at the 5000, its on sale.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...iapc&x=18&y=50

 

[mc866]

Personally I think the i5 is overkill if your main usage is going to be XBMC and for movie playback. I would possibly look at spending less on the processor and a bit more on a video card if you plan on doing some light gaming on it.