[vyyv]

I'm thinking about converting a semi-old pc (around 4 years) into a htpc to run xbmc/plex (haven't decided, but leaning towards xbmc). I'm probably going to need to upgrade the video card (and possibly sound as well, since the current is 4 channels), and although I have some ideas (namely the Galaxy GeForce GT 430 1GB 128-bit DDR3 for video) from roaming the web, I'm otherwise at a lost. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Here are the specs for the comp:
Antec NSK4480 Black/Silver Tower (380 W) case
Intel DQ35JO uATX
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 (6M Cache, 3.00 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)
Apacer 2GB DDR2 800 MHz
WD3200AAKS WD 320 GB SATA-300 w/ 16 MB (might add a 2TB drive)
Sony AD-7190 20X SATA

So I know there's 1 PCI Conventional bus, 2 PCI Express x 1s, 1 PCI Express x 16 for expansion - what are some good video cards + possibly sound card upgrades?

Budget isn't a big problem - my main concern is just for it to be quiet, stream content at 1080p, and surround sound (is support for 7.1 possible?) would be amazing! Thanks so much for your help!

[bluray]

You'll have a powerful/fast XBMC HTPC with these additions-

1. XFX HD645XZQH2 Video Graphics Card or if you have room in the case, you can opt for this powerful- XFX AMD Radeon HD6570 650M 2 GB . Either GPU should allow you to playback 1080P and bitstreaming HD audio

2. Crucial 64 GB m4 2.5-Inch Solid State Drive

[eskro]

yeah the XFX AMD Radeon HD6570 650M 2 GB is what i always recommend if it fits

[Beer40oz]

That is why I like recommending what I own.... because I know it works...

[eskro]

yeah Beer, thats the way we roLL

[vyyv]

Thanks so much! I'll definitely get the XFX AMD Radeon HD6570 650M 2 GB if it fits

[eskro]

FTW vyyv!!