HTPC build for x-mas

[BenKenobi]

Well my dad has finally put his foot down and told me that he MUST have a blu-ray playing HTPC for our home theater. Must be as cheap as possible, and also he said he would get me a new processor, so we could re-use the e6600 I have been using for my gaming computer.

There are several things I need someone smarter than me to make sure I spec'd everything out right:

1) Onboard video must be sufficient to play blu-ray disks in combination with the e6600

2) Onboard audio must be a HD audio capable chip

3) Everything is compatible with everything

4) Is extra cooling needed?

5) Which motherboard should I choose? Or do you have something better in mind?

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Bluray/hd-dvd

Motherboard
Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-EG45M-DS2H LGA 775 Intel G45 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards – This one is less expensive, has a lesser audio chip (but is still advertised as lossless HD audio processing)
127 – 20 MIR = 107

Newegg.com - ASUS P5Q-EM LGA 775 Intel G45 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards – This one has a better audio chip, made by a slightly more respectable manufacturer, and has better reviews on newegg, but is more expensive
135

CPU
Re-Use Core 2 Duo E6600

Case
Still need to pick out a nice case micro ATX
<100

RAM
Newegg.com - CORSAIR XMS2 2GB Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory
40 – 30 MIR = 10

HDDVD/Bluray
Newegg.com - LG Black 6X Blu-ray DVD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-ROM SATA Internal Combo LG Blu-rayR DVD Burner Model GGC-H20LK - Blu-Ray Drives
95

Re-use hard-drive, PSU @ 400 watts

No need for extra cooling?


<312 for first build with MIR’s + 90 for PowerDVD 8 Ultra

<340 for second build with MIR’s + 90 for PowerDVD 8 Ultra

[juneau]

Just thought i'd let you know that no sound card can currently use HD audio, unless something has suddenly changed in the hardware world. If you want HD audio then you'll need a standalone player. Are you going to be connecting this to a TrueHD/Master DTS amp? Powerdvd can downmix HD audio to DD/DTS via optical and coax.

I'd personally choose a cheaper motherboard and buy a seperate Ati graphics card.

3. Is going to be a tough one. It's not that the PC won't boot or anything, just that HTPC's can be twitchy. Especially when it comes to playing Blu-rays.

[BenKenobi]

I believe HD audio is now present in the hardware world today according to this right? This is what realtek says about the onboard chip on the first one

The ALC889-GR/ALC889DD-GR is a high-performance multi-channel High Definition Audio Codec with Realtek proprietary loss-less content protection technology that protects pre-recorded content while still allowing full-rate audio enjoyment from DVD audio, Blue-ray DVD, or HD DVD discs.

The second onboard chip is the next step up, so I'm supposing it has all the above features.

Not sure about the amp, ill have to look later

[KurlonT]

Here's a good thread on the whole HD Audio via HTPC:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1029603

Of course the least amount of headache would be getting a stand alone BD player and running that to a compatible HDMI reciever.