[p1lot]

Hey,

I use a Shuttle XS35 for XBMCLive, which is the perfect device for watching movies and series and it also renders most skins very nicely.

In a few weeks I plan to purchase a new HTPC, which should be possible to play the newest games.

Usually I prefer Linux for XBMC, but for gaming a Win7-environment might be the best choice.

The size of the case is not that important, I rather prefer better hardware and a bigger case than vice versa.

BTW, I am from Europe, so please also recommend alternative components.

As a TV i use a 50" LG Plasma. Would an LCD have been the better choice for gaming?

Thanks in advance,
p1lot

[eskro]

LCD's were always preferred for Gaming....
but i think newer PLASMA's are now ok for gaming,, i believe,,,,
u need to do more research on this one,,,

and for HTPC, well, many of us use a dedicated machine for gaming...
HTPC is pretty much the opposite of a gaming pc...
Like have Low Heat, Low Noise, Low Power...
so to me, your building a gaming PC, not an HTPC...

now if you want to play the latest games,
i mean, i dont know your budget,
but for gaming, an Intel Core i3-2100 / Intel Core i5-2500K is good....

as for video card, again i dont know your budget,
but something like the EVGA GTX 550 Ti Superclocked / MSI N460GTX Hawk or Sapphire HD5830 Xtreme / Sapphire HD5850 Xtreme
will let you play games at MAX settings....