Media Centre (what should i put inside)

[Spend_day]

First of all if this should be in the small form factor forums sorry and feel free to move but ive put it here because its more about what’s inside that what size it is.

Ive decided to get rid of my old stereo and dvd player and make myself a media centre it’ll save space and just be easier that what ive got atm but im not sure what to put inside of it

Im doing this on a budget of around £300-£400

What I really want to know is what are people opinions on motherboards and processors im going for cheap and reliable. Also is it worth shelling out for a motherboard with good built graphics and sound or getting a cheaper one and getting a graphics and sound cards.

Im not looking to spend too much on a CPU but I want something with a good bang to buck ratio. AMD64 X2 4X00+ Energy Efficient Vs Intels Core 2 Duo’s E21XX series whats better.

Ive only ever really build 1 high(ish) spec gaming machine and cheap as they come PC’s for work so ive never really looked into this middle ground so any suggestions will be welcomed

Sorry for all the question.

 

[LaRZ]

What TV sources ? Freeview, Sky, or cable ?

I suggest going with with OCUK bundles if you've not built before. And buy a Complete system if you are unsure about building it.

Genrally, smaller PC's are harder to silence.

Silverstone cases like the SG01 take standard size parts which can make it cheaper to build.

 

[Spend_day]

i build pc's at work quite a lot its just im not sure whats the best option since i dont really keep up to date. usually i'm building using dirt cheap components or scrounged/spare parts.

Ive got freeview but im currently toying with the idea that once ive got my media centre i might get an internal freeview card

also im planning to use a shuttle style case just because it'll go better in my room and noise isn't a real issue for me ....