Media Center

[BuddyDuck]

Hi Guys and Gals,

So its been awhile since i have built a comp, and it looks like since i no longer a gamer in terms of my main use of my comp. i am looking for more media entertainment. my last comp was 5K, and i am no where near that level of dedication to computer hardware anymore. more like 1000 ish id love to get away with 700ish.

main functions,

Music - 35,000 songs more or less 320 VBR so decent size - possible server functionality
Movies, maybe blu-ray nothing to crazy to be honest i am just not a patient person and don't want to deal with laggy crap in the stuff i am going to use it for.

I want it to have plenty of processor, maybe an integrated MB, surround & graphics??
good hd functionality with a well ventilated tower.

why am i asking, i am looking for direction in components.

lets say i have a PowerSupply 480W, and probably the hd's needed, i am mainly looking for guidance on a MB & CPU direction with hope that an integrated MB will work just fine for me.

any nudges or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[slomo4sho]

Consider a NVIDIA GeForce 8200 chipset motherboard with a low power consumption dual core from AMD

The 8200 boards have built in HDMI ports and are great for 1080p playback.

 

[superfuzzy]

Consider a NVIDIA GeForce 8200 chipset motherboard with a low power consumption dual core from AMD

The 8200 boards have built in HDMI ports and are great for 1080p playback.

I just built a HTPC with an ASUS MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131318
It has a very nice layout - sata ports where you can get to them! Pay attention to the processor. I chose an AMD 6000+ 3.1 Ghz - runs hotter with stock cooling than I'd like - so not the best choice.