Forum pros! please judge my htpc build!

[sleepychink125]

I am building a htpc for:
-watching .mkvs
-streaming videos
-watching cable+OTA channels
-very light web browsing
-no blu ray drive for now but eventually upgrade to watch blu rays

Here's my proposed build so far:
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5050e

Mobo: Narrowed it down to 2 780g mobos
1. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128379
2. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131324

(i saw proximon suggest a 760g mobo to someone else. should i stick with the 780g or get a cheaper mobo?)

Ram: G.SKILL 4GB DDR2-800 (already bought)

HDD: Samsung EcoGreen 1tb (already bought)

Case+PSU: waiting for a good deal on case/psu like the antec nsk2480

TV tuner: Hauppauge 2250
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116036&cm_sp=DailyDeal-_-15-116-036-_-Product

don't really know anything about them. Whats the difference between using the comcast cable box or a TV tuner? Other than not paying for one... It wouldnt be a huge deal to switch inputs. Do i get a better picture? More DTV channels? Are there any other advantages worth paying $150 for? I dont really care for recording stuff as I can just download/stream tv shows i want.

GPU: HD4550
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102819
or just use the hd3200 on my mobo?

Im planning on using the W7RC MC for awhile then switch to retail next year.

Feel free to make ANY suggestions. I would absolutely appreciate it. (esp the tuner+GPU)

 

[sleepychink125]

Im looking to max my bang for buck on this HTPC. definitely willing to pay more for a significantly better htpc experience.

 

[smithereen]

I'd get the Athlon II. For $27 more, it will give you much more performance.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103681

 

[sleepychink125]

isn't the 5050e much cooler? Ive been under the impression that the 5050e is pretty much standard for amd htpc builds these days... are there much better options for bang for buck?

 

[smithereen]

Not really. They're both rated at 65W - the Athlon II is 45nm, which allows better performance-per-watt. It should run at a similar temperature, but perform much better.

 

[madmax808]

I have to give a few thumbs up for the Hauppauge 2250. I have two and they run beautifully. I, too, am running them under Win7 and control everything through Media Center.

 

[sleepychink125]

ive decided to not get at tuner for now. However, I have been having a very hard time finding a good case. I already got the antec EA 380, but can't seem to find a case. Im hoping to spend about, but not too much more than $100.