HTPC Questions

[mast3r]

Hi all,
I have been meaning to ask this for ages now, i recently built me a new Media PC, i had loads of bits laying about etc.

Antec Fusion Case
Asus M3A78-EM board (please let me know if i cant link to manufac sites - http://uk.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=KjpYqzmAd9vsTM2D )
Phenom 9650 X4
8gb DDR1066 Ram
WD500gb Eco Green
WD1000gb Eco Green
Asus 300mb fancy wifi card (had it laying about for a project i never started)
Nvidia 9400GT Silent, 512mb card
Asus Blue-ray Reader/Writer
Vista Ultimate 64

Panasonic Viera 42" Freesat (top end model)
Logitech Z-5500

OK:
The board, is it any good. it reads ok, looks very good and seems to perform as well. It has onboard VGA, DVI, HDMI and Display Port, 8 Chan out etc, Optical out. Has ATI HD3200.

I am using 9400gt rather than the onboard, what will give me the best display, 9400 has an HDMI port on and res - 1900x1080.

I am using the Optical out to the Z5500, would this be beaten buy Direct cables? If i were to buy a new sound card would i see much improvement on sound quality etc, if so spec me up a sound card. PLEASEEEEEEEEEEE

Many thanks.

 

[mast3r]

I have loads of Vista OEM's laying about but no WIn7 (i have just picked one up, will reload with that over the weekend)
I have a Thermaltake CPU Cooler atm, a 120mm ICG400, will be looking for a scythe tho.

I have that rig built up and in use but i am willing to swap and change should i need to, i have an 9600GT i can use but it has a fan, i am trying to keep this baby quiet.

Any idea on the Soundcard question mate?

 

[mast3r]

Ausigex, Hi. I do have a server at home, i have a rack in my loft. lol.

I have got the WD ECO Green Hard drives. they are amazing, so quiet its untrue.

 

[mast3r]

that amazing the 1tb drive keeps conking out, can be on for a few hours then my movies / epps just stop and stutter, as if im streaming on a 56k. Seems the hdd has taken a poo.