Semi HTPC Build

[Snoopy484]

Hey guys,

I am looking a build an HTPC(not necessarily in an HTPC Case) for around $500. It will be used mainly to play videos on my 42" TV.

I have no preference between AMD and Intel, I would just prefer the better bang for the buck. I also am indifferent between nvidia and ati in terms of graphics as long as it keeps my build near my budget goal. So far here is what I have:

RAM - All I have picked up so far was RAM (Mushkin HP2 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 800 - 70$)

M/B - I was hoping to perhaps go with 790GX chipset as I have read it performs really well and I havent been able to find many M/B's with the 730i chipset yet

PSU - I was thinking perhaps Antec Neopower 430W or Silverstone ST400

Case - Since I am on a budget but also looking for quality, I decided to go with the Antec Three Hundred. My room is cluttered, so I'm not so worried about how it fits with the rest of the stuff by the TV.

Video - Hoping to go integrated to save on cash, since 730i/790GX comes with an HDMI port

HDD - I was considering any size that would fit within my budget, so it may be a 500GB or 640GB WD (Western Digital is my preferred brand)

I was hoping for your opinions on this and any suggestions. Also this is my first time considering the internet as a source for my parts so I was hoping for help finding my parts online for a reasonable price. Locally I have a CanadaComputers available.

Thanks in Advance,
Snoopy

[punk_zappa]

For a $500 budget, I guess it is better to go AMD. 790GX is good but 780G should suffice your need.

ASUS 780g - $100 NCIX.com - Buy ASUS M3A78-EM AMD 780G mATX AM2+ PCI-E16 PCI-E1 2PCI SATA HDMI Video Sound GBLAN 1394 Motherboard - M3A78-EM In Canada.
X2 4850E - $ 90 NCIX.com - Buy AMD Athlon 64 X2 4850E Dual Core Processor Socket AM2 2.5GHZ 2X512KB 65NM 45W Retail Box - ADH4850DOBOX In Canada.
Lite-ON BD-rom - $170 http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=33179&vpn=GBC-H20L%20BLACK&manufacture=LG%20Electronics
CM PSU - $57 NCIX.com - Buy Coolermaster Extreme Power 500W ATX 12V V2.01 Silent Power Supply 20/24PIN 120MM Fan - RP-500-PCAR In Canada.
(Check out NCIX sale page and other sites like Direct Canada for price match)

Good luck.

[Snoopy484]

I'm actually dodging the BD-Rom since I have a ps3 already.

Hmm, My only concern with 780G was that I heard it had some problems with playing 1080p output at times. I haven't seen this myself so I can't confirm it. I'm all willing to go for it if I can confirm decent 1080p movie output.

Thanks! I will definitely look into it those sites punk_zappa.

[punk_zappa]

What else is 1080p good for other than Blu-ray and HD-DVD (PS3 and XBox360)? Then why are you worried if you are not going to use it as a BD player? Actually, you will save some $$ if you will stay with DVD-rom but you are limited to that format.

[Snoopy484]

I do download quite a bit of videos as well.

[punk_zappa]

Up to you if you want to use 790GX.

[Snoopy484]

Ok. I did my research and it should be fine. Thanks punk_zappa! I will be sticking it out with the 780g chipset.