Hello Tom's Hardware!
Approximate Purchase Date: this week; can/will pull trigger on any immediate deals.
Budget Range: (e.g.: 300-400) $900 ,Before Rebates; Before Shipping
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Longevity/upgradability, Watching/ripping 3-400 DVD/BD and internet video, including 3d, gaming w/ steam big picture (would like to be able to play Batman AC, Dishonored, etc, but not Farcry 3 or other super intensive games, media server
Are you buying a monitor: No - I will be using this LG TV
Parts to Upgrade: This is a new build
Do you need to buy OS: Yes
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Amazon, Newegg
Location: Close to Nashville, TN
Parts Preferences: by brand or type (e.g.: I would like to upgrade to Intel CPU)
Overclocking: No
SLI or Crossfire: No
Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1200
Additional Comments: I have a combined budget of $1200 for this project and a new receiver - clearly not looking for a high end receiver; I am replacing my Onkyo whose HDMI bridge is fubar. I have a Harmony One remote.
And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Adding an HTPC to our network has been on my list for a long time. I originally had planned on putting DVR/TV capability as a key feature, but we may be moving to a location where only sat is available, so I am skipping for now, and will be adding a Homerun when/if the time is right. I am not space limited but looking for something in a micro-atx size, unless performance of a full atx setup has a drastically better reward-cost ratio.
My desire is so specific and requires so much give and take I'm not sure where to start! Even a processor/mobo that I could lock in would be great.
Thank you for any advice!
Approximate Purchase Date: this week; can/will pull trigger on any immediate deals.
Budget Range: (e.g.: 300-400) $900 ,Before Rebates; Before Shipping
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Longevity/upgradability, Watching/ripping 3-400 DVD/BD and internet video, including 3d, gaming w/ steam big picture (would like to be able to play Batman AC, Dishonored, etc, but not Farcry 3 or other super intensive games, media server
Are you buying a monitor: No - I will be using this LG TV
Parts to Upgrade: This is a new build
Do you need to buy OS: Yes
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Amazon, Newegg
Location: Close to Nashville, TN
Parts Preferences: by brand or type (e.g.: I would like to upgrade to Intel CPU)
Overclocking: No
SLI or Crossfire: No
Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1200
Additional Comments: I have a combined budget of $1200 for this project and a new receiver - clearly not looking for a high end receiver; I am replacing my Onkyo whose HDMI bridge is fubar. I have a Harmony One remote.
And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Adding an HTPC to our network has been on my list for a long time. I originally had planned on putting DVR/TV capability as a key feature, but we may be moving to a location where only sat is available, so I am skipping for now, and will be adding a Homerun when/if the time is right. I am not space limited but looking for something in a micro-atx size, unless performance of a full atx setup has a drastically better reward-cost ratio.
My desire is so specific and requires so much give and take I'm not sure where to start! Even a processor/mobo that I could lock in would be great.
Thank you for any advice!