Want to build an HTPC

[Tim]

I would like it to be cost effective as possible as well as a power saver. Save me money where you can. I don't mind spending an extra 5 or 10 for a more reliable part, but I don't want to go overboard for more than I need.

EDIT: As an alternative, I could use the system in my sig as a hybrid gaming/HTPC rig. What would be the best way to accomlish this if I go that route?

I'll be hooking this up to my 40" 1080p LCD. I also have an xbox 360 and a nintendo wii and I'd like to have their sound going through the 5.1 speakers if that's even possible.

I'll make this a fill in the blank style that you can just copy and input your choices.
Links are not necessary but would be HIGHLY appreciated, especially if you see a good price on any particular component.

CPU (amd? might underclock to save power):
CPU Cooling (quiet):
Moatherboard (780g?):
HDD (500gb?):
PSU (reliable, just enough wattage):
RAM (2gb?):
TV Tuner:
Optical drive(s)(Blue-ray would be nice):
Case (small, must be a tower style):
5.1 speakers (wireless rear speakers):
Wireless keyboard and mouse OR remote control?:

Things I already have: A wireless router, a few misc cables, hotpockets, and decent modding skills

 

[Fox5]

Two options here:
Hook up your current PC to the TV. You could do this with sufficiently long HDMI or component cables. Downside is you'd probably need to run USB cables as well for input, and you wouldn't have a dedicated PC on the TV.

Other option:
Build a PC like you have listed. Newegg has a combo deal on the X2 BE-2400 right now. I know this because I'm currently building a HTPC and have a bunch of parts picked ou.
As for the TV tuner, make sure it's Vista compatible. Maybe make sure it's Linux compatible as well, though Blu-ray doesn't work under Linux, unfortunately.

 

[Fox5]

My current part list is:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833122140
Netgear GS605 gigabit switch (for streaming video)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835186009
ARCTIC COOLING ALPINE 7 92mm CPU Cooler
Cheapest cpu cooler I found that supports lower operating speeds when the cpu temp is low.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16827135158
ASUS 2 Tone 12X DVD+R 5X DVD-RAM 1X Blu-ray DVD-ROM 4MB Cache SATA Internal Blu-Ray Combo Model BC-1205PT
Cheapest blu ray drive I found, and it comes with some kind of blu ray playing software.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811144231
APEVIA Black SECC Steel / Aluminum X-MASTER-BK/500 ATX Media Center / HTPC Case
About the cheapest full size HTPC case I could find. Doesn't bother me that it doesn't have a power supply, as I have a spare one laying around. You can easily find microatx cases with built in power supplies if you need one though.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813186141
Foxconn A7GM-S AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
Cheapest 780G mobo I could find once you take into account free shipping and the combo deal with the cpu.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819103215
AMD Athlon X2 BE-2400 Brisbane 2.3GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Dual-Core Processor - OEM
It's cheap, decently fast, and lower power.

The memory and power supply I already had. Also picked up a blue tooth adapter, and I'm thinking about using the Wiimote as the controller for this.
G.Skill has cheap memory, you can get 2GB DDR2 800 for around $40 and 4GB DDR2 800 for around $80. (2 x 1GB in the first case, 2 x 2GB in the 2nd case)

 

[Tim]

The MB and CPU combo looks like a solid choice.

Tell me more about your Wiimote idea.

The way I see it, the speakers are going to be the most expensive thing on the menu... kinda urks me, but I gotta have some 5.1 (w/ wireless rears)

 

[Tim]

Also, a quick question.

If I have a cable box, I don't really need a TV tuner card I'm guessing?

 

[Fox5]

Originally posted by: theplaidfad
The MB and CPU combo looks like a solid choice.

Tell me more about your Wiimote idea.

The way I see it, the speakers are going to be the most expensive thing on the menu... kinda urks me, but I gotta have some 5.1 (w/ wireless rears)

There's a few different drivers to get a wiimote working on a pc. Haven't tried any yet, but here's one:
http://carl.kenner.googlepages.com/glovepie_download

You could hook up the sensor bar and wherever you point is where it aims. Alternatively, just use the gyroscopic portion of the wiimote and you have a gyroscope mouse.

And yeah, you don't need a tv tuner unless you want to record/watch TV through the PC.

 

[DSF]

The Antec Earthwatts PSUs are on sale at Newegg, and an EA380 would have plenty of power for an HTPC like this without a dedicated video card. The EA 430 actually works out to be slightly cheaper after rebate since it has free shipping.