Building an HTPC

[snowpunk]

Right now I'm running an overclocked AMD with a 7800 GTX OC which is perfect for the level of gaming that I do. HOWEVER, I am starting to build a HTPC and have a feeling that I do not need such an extreme processor, a ton of memory, or a top of the line video card to satisfy the needs of an HTPC. What are the basic requirements needed for a good HTPC with HDTV and gaming capabilities?

Which CPU?
Which video card?
How much memory?
Which HDTV tuner?
What quality of a sound card?

Money is not an object, but like I said, I don't think I need top of the line hardware to make a good HTPC. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[aliasaid]

define "gaming capabilities".

that could very well define how the whole comp will look like.

 

[snowpunk]

define "gaming capabilities".

that could very well define how the whole comp will look like.

I will use my current computer with the 7800 GTX for my primary gaming. I want to be able to use the HTPC for some gaming, but nothing that intense. I want to primarily use the HTPC as a media center PC connected to a large HDTV.

 

[alexsabree]

I think the comp u have now should b hooked up to the HDTV

All u need is a good graphics card to handle the TV

 

[snowpunk]

Ya, my computer would work, but the only problem is the aesethetics. I want a separate, HTPC looking case, in my entertainment center, that is only responsible for media entertainment.

 

[slick_tech15]

AMD 64 3200
1 GB of value ram
Also you might want maybe a 6600 gt with a Creative Xfi xtrememusic sound card.

 

[aliasaid]

you'll probably get better help here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=26

they all seem to know so much about this.. or even look at the htpc section on TF.

 

[snowpunk]

i would have posted this in that section, but looked, and didn't know it existed, sorry!

 

[Apokalipse]

seriously, just get something like this:
Athlon 64 3000+ socket 939

2 x 512MB PC3200 value RAM

Nvidia 6800 GS PCI-E

MSI K8N Neo4-F

120GB/160GB Seagate SATA

Antec 500W Smartpower

17" LCD (8ms or lower)

some random case

LG 16X DVD burner

 

[aliasaid]

its a pvr and he's gonna watn to save a lot of stuff so get a bigger hard drive. don't get a random case get a nice one! maybe that thermaltake mozart.. look good. and lcd screen? its gonna be hooked up to an HDTV.. no monitor needed..