[eddya]

This will be my first HTPC build, but I've built all of my desktops since '95. I'm using some parts from my desktop, that I'll be upgrading to i7 seperately. Looking for feedback. I expect to use this one just as htpc, xbmc running under windows 7, and with the additional software that goes along with it (sickbeard, sabncdb, couch potatoe, etc.).

Taken from my desktop (not purchasing): (prices are from last fall when I purchased)
CPU: Intel Core i3-2120 Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core HD Graphics 2000 BX80623I32120 -$139
Memory: CORSAIR Vengeance 4GB (1 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9R - $59.99 (that was for 2x4gb, only taking one of them)
HDD: Seagate Barracuda Green ST2000DL003 2TB 5900 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -$82.98 (those were the days)
GPU: EVGA 01G-P3-1431-KR GeForce GT 430 (Fermi) 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP (can't remember were I purchased or how much)

Purchasing now:

CASE: SILVERSTONE Black Aluminum / Steel Lascala Series LC10B-E ATX Media Center - $120
PSU: Antec HCG M Series HCG-400M 400W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular - $69
MB: ASUS P8Z68-V LX LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX - $129
SDD: OCZ Solid 3 SLD3-25SAT3-120G 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC -$99
Please let me know your thoughts and feedbacks. I know me...I will probably purchase before any of you have a chance to respond. But I'll try to hold off :-)

[Jetster]

You could save some money by getting a P67/61 motherboard and a 64/32 Gb SSD. I have a 64 Gb SSD and have 40Gb free

[eddya]

Yes, I've been back and forth on p67 and z68. I've decided that the $ savings is fairly insignifcant...and since z68 is newer, may have support longer. Yes? plus the couple of extra features with z68. On the SSD: I initially went looking for a 64GB SSD. I think the crucial that I wanted was about $80. Then I ran across the ocz 120gb, for $19 more. Yea, I think it may be a lot of wasted space. Better too much I guess. Plus, you never know what killerapps are coming to chew up that space!! My bigger concern with the 120gb was that it is ocz..and I've heard bad stuff. Good stuff too, but bad stuff. I've never owned a ssd, or an OCZ, so not sure what I'm getting into with it. Plus, why is it a $100 off (instant) on new egg. suspect!! Any opinions on this drive?

[bluray]

Since it is for HTPC, why not "Intel Core i3-2125 Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz"? You'll get better HD3000 iGPU. If you live closer to Micro Center, it is $119- Intel Core i3 2125 LGA 1155 Boxed Processor......

[eddya]

I already have the i3-2120 that I'm taking from my desktop. I'll be upgrading to an i7 in the desktop.

[bluray]

I already have the i3-2120 that I'm taking from my desktop. I'll be upgrading to an i7 in the desktop.

Ok, it'll be fine then...

[Jetster]

You will love the SSD