[gquiring]

I would like to build a box to run XBMC and Boxee on Linux. My only slight issue is I need component output, my panel does not have HDMI. What would be good video card to use to stream XVID 720p/1080i video? I assume I need a Core2Duo 2.4ghz or better? What kind of audio card could I use that supports 5.1 optical?

[Gobbledegeek]

Hi

As a long term user of ATI starting with Radeon 7500 and now AMD 780G since July last year, I would strongly recommend to you the Intel G45 motherboard

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/sho...i=3417&p=1

http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=ar...00hd&num=1

http://www.intel.com/Products/Desktop/Mo...erview.htm

This will give you out-of-box driver support from Xorg to playback HD content at low cpu.

And do not worry if G45 is 4 points slower than 780G on some test or 2 points lower on another. The benefits of low headache driver installation and open source drivers are worth more than the nitpicking reviews.

You should forget building a box with older technology just to get component out. Get a standalone external media connector with hdmi in + component out options instead.

Enjoy building your system

Regards