Building a PC specifically for XBMC (or general media center)

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I'm looking to build a PC specifically for running XBMC so I can play and/or stream media up to and including Bluray 1080 content. I want to build something that won't be an eyesore in my entertainment center, but also want to keep the expenses within reason, as this will not be a gaming machine, I already built that last year, and this one is to serve a very specific purpose. I'd like it if the video card supported HDMI, but if I have to use a DVI-HDMI adapter and do something else for audio that's fine.

I'm looking for advice on components to service this purpose, as I'm not sure exactly what's important for media uses, and don't want to overspend on things that are mostly for gaming and/or other uses. This PC won't be doing anything else.

I'm not dead set on XBMC, I've tried Boxee and couldn't seem to get myself to switch, but I'm open to other suggestions there as well.


*edit*

I do have a 3 1/2 year old Dell PC hanging out here that I can scour for parts, it at least has a 250Gig HD and an XP license I could go ahead and transfer (I hope), along with whatever else might be in there, but I'm not exactly sure what said components are. If you think they might be useful I can look into it.
 
[quote name='Access_Denied']My friend did this same thing about 6 months ago, and he found the best deal on TigerDirect.com. Just go to the barebone section and find a nice kit with HDMI.

EDIT: This one would probably work fine. It'll output 1080p just fine if you use the right video player. Throw in your hard drive and OS and you'll be good to go.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4933703&Sku=B69-1102[/QUOTE]

I have heard so many bad things about Tiger Direct. Any other CAGs want to weigh ion on this option?

Also, I don't just want to output 1080 video, I need it to do so while running XBMC, as the interface is very important to me in this instance, to the point where I'm willing to drop much more cash to ensure that is possible, I just don't want to overspend.
 
[quote name='boneless']Maybe try Newegg.com? I buy almost all of my components from there.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, but I'm more looking for suggestions of good components for this purpose. Last year my PC thread lead me to an affordable, awesome rig, so I figured I could get some suggestions here for a machine for this express purpose.
 
If you need support for advanced Blu-Ray audio you need an ASUS Xonar sound card or a Radeon HD 5000 series video card.

You can go with an Nvidia Ion system with an Intel Atom processor. It can play Blu-Ray and doesn't use alot of power. Some have HDMI or DVI with an HDMI adapter. There are a small handfull of Ion motherboards that have PCI Express (not Mini PCI Express) which you can pair with a low profile Radeon HD 4000 series video card for better gaming support but you lose full Blu-Ray audio support, or you can get one with PCI and a Xonar Slim for full Blu-Ray support in a low profile mini itx case. Another option is to get a full height micro ATX case and a Radeon HD 5000 series if you want more power for gaming and full Blu-Ray audio support.

My Suggestion:
ASUS AT3N7A-I Intel Atom 330 NVIDIA ION Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131408

ASUS Xonar HDAV1.3 Slim
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132012

Foxconn RS233 Black+Light Silver Steel Mini-ITX Tower Computer Case 150W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811153099

LG Black Blu-ray Reader & LightScribe DVD±R DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136162

and for convenience

Koutech IO-RCM620 USB 2.0 3.5" Card Reader
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820162016
 
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I'd just like to touch quickly on the TigerDirect subject. I've ordered from them numerous times and have had zero problems with them. Their prices at times are more expensive than other e-tailers, but that's really the only negative. They're actually faster (at least for me) than Newegg. I've used free shipping options, and items have literally arrived at my door the next day.
 
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