HTPC for 1080p Playback & Streaming?

[unRendered]

Hey Everyone!

I've been doing a lot of reading on various sites for an HTPC build that suits my needs. I feel as if I've gone mad as I keep going back and forth on what to get, so, I figured I'd start ANOTHER thread asking for advice. Here is what I'm looking for:

Approximate Purchase Date: the sooner the better.

Budget Range: (<) $300. Will spend more if necessary.

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Streaming 1080p (high bit rate) MKVs from my network server, stream Netflix/Hulu/Vudu etc.

Parts Not Required: Keyboard, mouse, TV, speakers, storage drives.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg or amazon.

Country: USA.

Parts Preferences: mITX or mATX.

Overclocking: No.

SLI or Crossfire: No.

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080.

Additional Comments: I will not be playing any games and I will not be ripping any BDs or DVDs on this rig. I'm looking for something that's low-power, as I will have this on 24/7. I'd also like for this to be as quiet as possible. I plan to run XBMC. Lastly, I'd rather not mess around with a picoPSU but can if the price is right.

Thanks for the help and being such an awesome community!!

(FYI - I've also posted this on the XBMC forums)

 

[genghiskron]

cheap gigabyte fm1 mobo with hdmi and good warranty:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128517
cheap reliable psu:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151086
ram:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231394
amd a4-3400
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103955
silverstone htpc case fits full size psu's
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163174

$268

 

[unRendered]

Thanks for the quick reply! That's basically what I've spec'd for an AMD build but needed confirmation that it'll perform for what I need.

Thanks again!

 

[unRendered]

Best answer selected by unRendered.

 

[ctclements]

This looks like exactly what I'm looking to build. What kind of hard drive would you recommend in the 2tb range? Also, I am going to be hooking the hdmi up to my 3D TV, how bad would performance be affected if I used the VGA and DVI to hook my HTPC up to 2 24 inch monitors? I'm interested in using this as a basic computer for things like word on the 24 inch monitors, but also being able to play my 1080p movies on the big screen.

 

[ctclements]

To answer part of my question, I did a little more research and it looks like I would need either multiple graphics cards or a graphics card with a display port to be able to use 3 screens.