First off, I did do some searching, and didn't really find anything that pertained to my questions.

I'm finding myself it a bit of a predicament. At the moment, my current setup is leaving much to be desired, but I don't really want to build an entirely new rig. I'd like to do the following:

1) Upgrade mobo and CPU (keeping same case and other internals).
2) Upgrade video card.
3) Turn mobo/CPU from #1 into a HTPC.
4) Build new gaming rig using video card(s) from #2.

The problem arises in which mobo to get right now. I'd like something that can do HD video adequately onboard (GeForce 71XX, Radeon HD3200), in mATX form. Currently the GeForce 71XX series doesn't support DX10, but I don't know when Intel will come out with the new DX10 oboard GPU. I'd also like to keep the Intel chipset (HD3200 is a no-brainer otherwise).

Onboard audio is also key, as I'm going to be running the Logitech Z-5500 as my sound system.

Another problem lies in the fact that for certiain HTPC cases (most of which I like) the PCI-e slot has to be in slot #6. I really like this board http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813141007. It has a great variety of ports for a great price, but I'm wondering whether it's worth waiting for the new DX10 onboard Intel GPU.

Sorry if this was a confusing mess, and thanks for any help in advance.

I grabbed this one for a recent build for HTPC for my father

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128072

seems pretty much the same as your XfX board minus one SATA port and gains optical out i think. However, i trust in gigabyte more than i would on a XFX mobo. I havent had an issues with this board whatsoever breeze to install and lived up to everything so far. Paired with this case :

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129034

Thanks chookman, I appreciate it. That board does look good, but I do have a question or two left.

I know that nvidia is planning on releasing the GeForce 8200 IGP (DX10, etc, etc), but it is for an AMD chip, much like the ATI 780G. Do they have anything on the horizon for Intel processors?