[kieran45]

Hi guys (and girls),

Appreciate all the support and advice that comes throught this forum. I have been reading for a while, and have finally decided to pull the plug on my first HTPC. I have built normal PC's before, but never a HTPC, and would really appreciate some advice on the components I have tentatively decided on before I start to build.


Case - Antec Fusion - I have some space issues, so small and good looking case needed.
Mobo - Asus PVE VM HDMI - on board G35 graphics, HDMI
CPU - E4500 - cheap, lower power, enough grunt ?
Cooler - Scythe Ninja mini - can run passive in this case
RAM - 2GB Kingston 667
Hard Drive - WD GP 1TB - tons of space, quiet and cool running
DVD RW - maybe upgrade to BluRay later?
Keyboard - Logitech Dinovo Edge - light, very cool
Tuner - AverMedia AverTV Duo Hybrid?

I have a logitech universal remote I hope will work with the inbuilt IR receiver in the case.

Will be using Vista Ultimate.

I would like it to be able to connect via HDMI, watch and record digital TV, playback media collection, maybe BluRay eventually. Must be very quiet and look good in TV cabinet.

Main queries I have are:
The tuner - I want dual digital tuners, no real experience with tuners though. any other suggestions would be great.
Onboard graphics - will these be enough for what I am looking for? I can get a dedicated card later on if I need.
Is this going to be able to do what I want from the machine?

Any advice from those more experienced than me would be appreciated.