[wisenuts]

I am looking at upgrading my current HTPC because i used some old hardware and it tends to crash even when only running standard def dvds

I am on a tight budget (under 150) I have the case and power supply and DVD drive already so here is what i found on newegg.

mobo.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813135234

CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6819103698

RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820231098

I want to be able run both xbmc and boxee but never at the same time @ 720p

thanks in advance for any advice

ooh yeah, i want to run linux(ubuntu)

[fekker]

JetWay JXBLUENC78S-LF AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 8200 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813153156

CORSAIR 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model VS2GB667D2 - Retail
Item #: N82E16820145180
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy

AMD Athlon II X2 245 Regor 2.9GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor Model ADX245OCGQBOX - Retail
Item #: N82E16819103687
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

bit different config with faster cpu (yet low power use, it's the new 2 core 45nm cpu)
can go with cheaper mobo if using vga output
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813500031
$15 combo with that cpu and a $20 mail in rebate

you can also get the zotak mini-itx board with the cpu for about $10 more if you want a smaller setup
ZOTAC GF8200-C-E AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 8200
that has a $20 instant, and $10 mail in rebate
that would be my choice (the mini-itx board)
it's a tiny bit over budget, at $171.98
if you have any ram you can get by with, put the cash into the board and cpu setup as ram is very easy to pop in when budget allows

[ion_man]

Have you come across this article yet:
http://www.linuxtech.net/features/best_l...oards.html
It should help you make the right choices.

The GF8100 is too weak for hardware decoding of some 1080p stuff, you will eventually regret not having bought at least a GF8200.