[Chubster]

Ok...I have XBMC up and running and I love it....but currently it is sitting in an old Dell E520 next to my av unit and its UGLY.

So I have found a case (Silverstone GD04) and err....thats about it.

Really need help trying to decipher the best motherboard to buy....should I go onboard graphics or dedicated (currently have Nvidia GT220 graphics card - should I reuse this)....AMD or Intel ??

I really havent a clue!

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

[waldo22]

General consensus is Nvidia graphics. If you're decoding HD in software, Intel C2D CPU, at least 2.66 Ghz.

2GB RAM is plenty, if it's a dedicated HTPC.

If you get an integrated board, get one that supports VDPAU, like the Nvidia 9000 series here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLis...rce%209000

If you get one that supports VDPAU, then you can use a low-power AMD processor as well:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLis...rce%208000

I use the original Xbox remote for mine, and it works great. $6 - $8 on eBay. You'll need a $2 adapter to plug it in.

Finally, for silence, I recommend a small SSD (solid-state Drive) if your budget supports it.

http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory....6&name=SSD

Good luck,

-Wes

PS, if you haven't bought a case yet, check eBay for a Dell Optiplex slim case (try searching for Optiplex 680, 780, etc.) Sometimes people sell broken Optiplex computers. The components are not worth much, but that tiny case is priceless!