Want to build a personal "Steam" box

[gnomicidal]

Approximate Purchase Date: this month

Budget Range: 400-800 depending on boost from more cash

System Usage from Most to Least Important: i would like it to function like an HTPC for the wife, however also have a BIT of power to act like a Steam box so I could play some older gamers on the TV upstairs (Older meaning like 2011-2012 games.)

Are you buying a monitor: No, already own TV.

Parts to Upgrade: Starting from scratch. Deciding whether to use current graphics card and buy a new one for my pure gaming pc. It's a 460 GTX.

Do you need to buy OS: Preferably want to use Windows 8 if it's searchable with a controller or Xbox controller.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg

Location: Southeast Pennsylvania

Parts Preferences: No preference, willing to hear either Intel or AMD (only ever built Intel prior)

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe (looking for suggestions)

Your Monitor Resolution: 1080p TV

Additional Comments: Want case to look like a piece of electronics consistent with a receiver, etc.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Just want a new system for SLIGHT gaming / HTPC needs

 

[vrumor]

gnomicidal read your PMs, just sent you one. Upper right hand corner in the box.

 

[gnomicidal]

Nobody else has any ideas for this?

Biggest questions:

1) Should I just do a mobo with premium onboard graphics? Does such a mobo exist?

2) My current PC has Windows on a SDD vs all my media on HDD. Same config for a steam box / media pc?

3) Amount of RAM for a media PC?

4) Case suggestions for a semi-silent type build since it will be in the living room?

5) Intel vs AMD for this kind of build?