Spec me a HTPC

[derv]

For the last few years I've been using my Xbox 360 to steam media from my main PC. It's no longer used to play games so I've decided to sell the lot and buy an HTPC.

My requirements are;

1) Fairly quiet - no louder than my aging Xbox 360
2) Needs to lay flat (e.g. no towers) and not be too much bigger than a 360
2) Fast wireless - enough to play HD videos from my main PC (router is 300mbps)
3) HDMI connectivity
4) Able to play Blu-Ray discs
5) Media Card Reader if there is space, although not essential

It would be great to also use it for some basic internet surfing, facebook, iPlayer, youtube etc. A compact keyboard and mouse/trackpad would be good and I wouldn't say no to a remote control either.

Space isn't an issue as everything will be streamed from my main PC which has plenty of space. A small SSD is fine.

I have no knowledge of HTPC so assume I'm clueless I have Windows 7 already, is this what most people use or is there a better OS for HTPCs?

I don't really have a budget in mind, but obviously cheaper the better. £400 would be my absolute limit, although I'm hoping for the £200-300 mark.

 

[derv]

The OCUK Opera case is slightly too big. This rig will be sitting on a shelf on my TV unit with dimesions 440W, 420L, 145H. 440w will leave absolutely no room either side of the case and will be a squeeze getting in. I'm also worried it will affect the cooling.

Are most HTPC cases this size? I may have to re-think. I could consider running it on top of the TV unit itself so space isn't an issue but it'll look untidy. Maximum depth on the top is 240mm.

I have two young kids so floor standing is not an option

I have an entire spare PC for parts but it's in standard ATX tower size. I'm happy to take parts from it if needed (it's a S775 quad core system with 650w OCZ PSU).

 

[derv]

My 775 board is standard ATX size, 12"x 9.6" (30.5cm x 24.4cm). I'll be amazed if it will fit in the space I have

The SG06B case looks like it needs a slim optical drive or do my eyes deceive me?