First HTPC build (possibly with ion)

[kgvnova]

Hi i'm trying to build an htpc for the first time, and i was looking for some suggestions. It will have a bluray drive and i want it to be able to play HD movies (obviously). HD audio isnt a necessity but it would be nice. I would like to fit this in a SFF case to keep things looking nice.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within a Month

BUDGET RANGE:$400-$500

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Watching movies, surfing the web, maybe some light gaming

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor(Have a TV), ODD(Just bought a bluray drive)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: US

PARTS PREFERENCES: no real brand preference although i do like asus, would like to keep a small form factor

OVERCLOCKING: No

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1080i hdtv... its a little old so it wont get up to 1080p

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Would like it to be close to silent and keep the heat low.

Here are two builds i put together:

The first one has an atom/ion motherboard
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=12508445

The other one is a more conventional build
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=12508365

All and any input is welcome as this is my first time building a htpc.
Thanks!

KG

 

[gkay09]

^ Gaming on both the setups would not be good...
And +1 to the AMD setup over the ION...