HTPC spec check and questions

[shandy1948]

I want to build a silent, powerful HTPC for:

• Watching freeview (with PVR functionality)
• Playing games
• Media encoding
• Media server for my laptop

My budget is £1000. I'm currently using a 32" CRT, so I need S-Video output. But as I will soon be upgrading to a nice HD LCD TV, I also need HDMI and HDCP. I'll be running Vista Home Premium.

It's important to me that it's silent (or near silent).

This is what I've spec'd so far:

• Will the graphics card fit in the case?
• Which CPU cooler should I buy? (it needs to be quiet/silent, but also fit inside the case)
• I need to buy a wireless keyboard, mouse and remote as well
• Any other suggestions or amendments?

 

[shandy1948]

Ok. I've updated the specs. I've replaced the (beige) blu-ray drive with a (silver) DVD-RW. I figure that I might as well wait for a dual-format drive (i.e. HD-DVD and blue-ray) to reach the market before i purchase one.

I've also added some thermal paste, and the CPU cooler. Plus, I've changed the RAM

What do you think? Any other changes?

• Are there any other quieter CPU coolers which will still fit inside the case?
• Will I have trouble fitting in that graphics card?

 

[shandy1948]

So, I've changed the graphics card to a 8800GT. Hopefully this is now the final spec. Any changes required before I click 'Buy'?