Suggestions and comments on system build

[Agman]

Hey guys. I've been researching and looking over parts for a while now to build a real HTPC (I'm tired of just using spare computer parts), I want to build a dedicated HTPC built from the ground up just for that purpose.

I will be watching HD-DVD, Blu-Ray movies on this, recording TV shows off the air, I will rip DVDs and watch them through here as well. The system will be running Vista Ultimate x64.

This will be paired up with a 1080p LCD (1920x1080 native res) via a DVI to HDMI cable. It will also be hooked up to a home theater system via either optical or digital coax cable. I think thats it for the purposes of this system so I guess I'll go on and list the parts I have picked.

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Brisbane 2.6Ghz Socket AM2 65W Black Edition
Linky

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-MA770-DS3- AM2+/AM2 AMD 770 ATX
Linky

Graphics Card: Asus EN8600GT Silent 512M Geforce 8600GT
Linky

Memory: OCZ Gold 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-pin DDR2 800
Linky

Hard Drives: Samsung SpinPoint T Series HD501LJ 500GB x 2
Linky

Optical Drive: LG Blu-ray/HD-DVD-ROM 16X SATA
Linky

TV Tuner: Hauppauge WinTV-HVR 1600 MCE 1183WB
Linky

PSU: Thermaltake TR2 RX 20146RU ATX 12V Ver2.2 450W
Linky

Case: Silverstone LASCALA 10 CS-SST-LC10B
Linky

This is about it. I'm still undecided on what software to use for the HD-DVD/Blu-ray playback. I want somethign that integrates with Vista MCE since thats what I'll be using.

The budget for this is at most $1500 but I would like to keep it under 1350 preferably. Right now is at 1315.04 with shipping included.

Thanks everyone for y'alls help!

*Edit* I will be buying this system from the US, I will not be overclocking or anything.

 

[heyheybooboo]

Are you recording OTA or off cable?

GIGABYTE GA-MA69GM-S2H AM2 AMD 690G will save you $40+

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Brisbane 2.6GHz 65W will save you $20

Hightech Radeon HD 2600XT 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 iSilence will save you $30 after rebate - $55 if you go with the version with fan

4gb of ram is overkill for what you are doing - could save $50+ with 2gb

FYI - with the latest BIOS Gigabyte 770/690g chipsets support the Phenoms. The Phenom 9500 is $185 with Promo Code EMCABACBD

(Based upon Tom's CPU Charts) BluRay playback (PowerDVD) cpu utilization with the 9500 is 1/3 of the 5000+ and 35% faster DivX rip

Check out the AVS htpc forums for a major info

 

[Agman]

I'll like to be able to record from both if possible. I currently have FIOS in the place I live in right now.

The motherboard I looked at that one, but I don't need the integrated video plus if its micro-ATX things will be even more cramped. Plus the other one has more PCI ports which is a plus since I might be adding a sound card later on.

Your right about the CPU. That was a dumb pick by me since I'm not overclocking.

Yeah I looked at that Video Card. The problem is I'm afraid with that huge heat sink that sticks out behind and vertical from the card it won't fit in the case. The 8600GT seems like it is a lot shorter. I really have no clue as to which card is the better performer in terms of what I want to do. The video card is the place where I have no idea where to go.

The Phenom is an interesting idea. I'll have to think about it.

Thanks for the input!