Help with my First Desktop

The graphics card will work fine in any mobo with a PCI-E x16 slot.
You can get a 512MB 3850 for around $200.
You can also save $$ with a $150 500GB Caviar GP (-AACS). It's new but google it and it's available.
DDR2-667 value ram will work fine since you will not overclock. I'd get 800 anyway since it's so cheap now-a-days... Look up memory compatability at your chosen motherboard's website. They will tell you what works.

^Agreed. For the case you might want to add some Scyte SFLEX fans (one of the most quietest fans out there)

I'm looking for a GPU that has an HDMI connections which carries both audio and video so I can connect it to my HDTV .

Are either 3850 or 2600XT passively cooled? or does any specific manufacturers provide a passively cooled card? thanks

Do I need a CPU heatsink, or does the CPU come with that already?

I'm also looking at 20/22"LCD monitors, what should i be looking for?

This is what the prices for CPUs are listed at: in Canadian Dollars

Intel Core 2 Quad = $250
Intel E6750 - $175
Intel E6850 - $270

Which would make for the best deal?

Q6600 for sure, at least I think so.

20-22" monitors almost all of them are going to be widescreen and run at 1680x1050 resolution. Make sure the monitor has DVI output.
This monitor is a good one: http://www.memoryexpress.com/Produ [...] 3(ME).aspx

It was mentioned above, but worth restating. DVI is the same as HDMI, just video w/o the audio. You can get a good cable from Newegg or other online vendor for about 1/4 the cost as a retail store.

for a 32 bit operating system (which is limited to 3GB) get 2GB. if you get a 64 bit operating system you can get as much as your motherboard can accept (usually 8MB).

Memory is cheap now. Take advantage of that. Get Vista 64 bit and get 4 GB.

most people who say they do not plan to overclock have not read the sticky note in the overclock forum. they do not realize it just changing a few numbers in the bios and running a few programs overnight to make sure the changes are stable. however, overclocking generates heat which necessitates cooling which means fans which means added noise.

for me, for a quiet HTPC, I would still get a Q6600 and mild overclock it. I would also get scythe fans for the case. They come in D, E, and F flavors where D is the quietest but moves the least amount of air, E moves more air and is slightly louder, and F moves even more air and is even louder. Replacing all the case fans with D or E and using silicone anti-vibration fan connectors to mount them to the case would be good. also mounting the hard drive with silicone or rubber grommets is good. Lastly, a fan controller such as the Zalman MFC2 would be good. Here is a good review of it:
http://www.overclockercafe.com/Rev [...] index.html
and here is a good website that talks about building silent PCs:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/section5.html

I'd get a Q6600 and an 8500GT.

Also check out the 750 GB WD (WD7500AAKS), it's faster than the 500GB and that will help a lot with encoding. The Samsung Spinpoint F1 1TB is much faster in benchmarks than the WD and Seagate 1 TB disks, at least in reading/writing large files, but it's new and I'm not sure yet how reliable it is.

Vista drivers need to pass testing on 64bit too before they get certified. I think 64bit Vista is just as risky as 32bit Vista, not more. If you want guaranteed compatibility with older apps and devices get XP Pro 32bit. If you want Vista you might as well get the 64bit version. It will allow you to use 4 GB of RAM or even more.

The case that I plan to buy: the Antec Sonata III already comes with a 500W power supply. Do I still need to buy a separate power supply? Is the stock on reliable enough or should I replace with with a better one.?

For some good info and advice on quiet components, go to www.silentpcreview.com

Antec makes some good quiet cases, and decent power supplies. Any of their current combo's should be ok.

If you want to get a separate case and psu, I can recommend the Antec Solo. Alternatively the sonata designer 500 is the same case in white(a sharp looking case)with a 500w psu. The sonata plus 550 is the solo case with a 550w psu in black. Look around for deals on antec, they often have good rebates on cases. I have found some good deals at techonweb.com

A oem cooler is a good idea, particularly one with a slow turning 120mm fan. It will keep your cpu cooler, and be quieter than stock.

If you can wait a bit, I expect the affordable penryns to launch in a month or so. Not only will they be better price/performers, but the 45nm technology will make them cooler and therefore quieter. Otherwise, look for a E6750 which will be cooler than a Q6600.

Spend any extra $ on getting a good monitor. It will outlast your pc. Particularly look for a wide viewing angle. cheaper monitors will grey out if you look at them from a 160 degree angle. Better ones will have a 178 degree spec, both horizontal and vertical. good luck---

I don't know if there are any good after Christmas deals. The new >$1200 Q9650 penryn is out, the cheaper ones should be about 5% faster, clock for clock, and perhaps 10% cheaper. Your choice.

I've been looking around for a passive video card that supports HDMI output for video and audio. I was going for HD 2600XT, but have not been able to find HDMI in a passive card. However, I found an HIS 2600Pro that is silent. Does all 2600Pro support HDMI video and audio If I buy a seperate adapter? I was going to get a 2600XT, but will a 2600Pro be suffiecient enough for encoding and HD viewing in an HTPC?

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...anufacture=HIS

any comment on the HD 2600 Pro?