[Solved] HTPC $600-$1,000. Need shopping list/tutorial suggestions.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: this week. today would be even better.

BUDGET RANGE: (e.g.: $600-1,000) After Rebates. Is this reasonable? This is kind of open. I just want the best solution possible with still being mindful of cost/benefit of what I am buying.

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: (cable television replacement [streaming shows or downloading them to watch], watching blueray discs, watching downloaded movies, listening to music, viewing pictures from and SD card or USB, browsing the web on occasion). I would like the music and possibly the movies to be on an external hard drive if possible. I own a 1TB Western Digital World Edition My Book network storage system that I have never quite been able to get to work well as a sharing device (probably user error)

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: um, I think I need everything, including the remote, keyboard and mouse, although I do have a Harmony 620 that seems to be on its way out. I also have a bluetooth keyboard and mouse, but will likely prefer to keep those for my laptop, unless they can be used for both. Also, the 1TB Western Digital World Edition My Book network storage system I referenced above.

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: whatever is suggested. I am a Newbie. If I could pick them up for relatively the same price at Fry's Electronics or Micron Center, I might prefer that, as I could go do it today.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: U.S.

PARTS PREFERENCES: none. again, i'm looking for everyone's wisdom here.

OVERCLOCKING: help?

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: help?

MONITOR RESOLUTION: I also plan to be purchasing a new 50+ inch 1080P Plasma or LCD that would be going along with this system.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This will hopefully be a full-fledged HTPC that I can hook up to a new TV and stereo that I also plan on purchasing. If I can keep the costs down, that would be great, but I do not want to sacrifice quality or functionality either. I am not a gamer, if that matters, but if the extra beef for gaming helps with video or audio, I'm inclined to go that direction.

I would be happy to post the results of the system here on the site if I can get some help with the items needed. Does anyone sell something like this already put together? If so, perfect! I don't need to build it, but would be happy to. What is the premium you pay to have it ready to go? Where would I buy a complete system, and which one would fit the bill?

I would like the PC to be quiet, if possible. Size is not a major concern, but a smaller form factor would be better. What I am looking for here is a shopping list and instructions or a tutorial of some sort. I have never built a computer before, but am generally good with following directions.

THANK YOU SO MUCH IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ADVICE!

Thank you. I believe I would be doing encoding. I will be imaging my DVD collection to a hard drive. I haven't figured out whether I will be doing ISO images or encoding them in a format of some sort (I haven't figured which route to take on this yet). I'm not sure if that helps clarify or change anything. Again, I really appreciate suggestions and responses.

I'm not sure Transmaniacon and I read the same article. Everything I've read has said that the 785G chipset is plenty for HD playback. Here's the most recent Tom's article on the subject:

http://www.tomshardware.com/review [...] ,2408.html

I wouldn't waste $55 on a 4650 when the integrated 4200 GPU in the 785G is plenty for your use. I would use some of that money to upgrade to 4Gb of RAM and a better CPU since you're going to be doing some encoding.

The Athlon X4 620 would be a good option, like Transmaniacon said. The 95W Phenom II X4 945 would also be a great option if you want even more CPU muscle. You can get it in a combo with the GA-MA785GMT-UD2H.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.272132

Here's a 4GB DDR3 1333 kit for a good price:

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-4GBNT - Retail $70.99

My lowly 2600XT handles all my 1080 HD content just fine in my HTPC.

Apple TV?
I hear it can do some fancy things if you crack it.

Im also now in the market for an HTPC, but i REALLY dont want the hassle and cost of another system.

I'll do some research and if i can get apple tv to do blu ray (which it should) and stream all formats, im sold.

The Phenom II X4 is slightly faster, but the Athlon II X4 would work fine for your use. I was just trying to give you some options. Here's a good comparison of the Athlon II X4 vs. Phenom II X4:

http://www.tomshardware.com/review [...] ,2416.html

What are your thoughts on your suggested build versus the option presented in this Engadget article?
http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/21 [...] nder-1-00/

Obviously, there is over a $200 price difference (although I haven't checked current pricing for the Engadget options yet), and the Engadget article was written back in June. I am also wondering why you recommend Windows Vista over Windows 7. I would appreciate your thoughts. I do plan to order the various parts this week.