[lboyce]

A year ago I built my first HTPC using the GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H with a 2.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo chip and 2gb of ram. I absolutely love it and it still runs amazing. I love it cause it I run Windows 7 and have XBMC installed and play 1080p mkvs with ease.

Now my best friend wants me to build a new HTPC for him just like mine, but I noticed the E7AUM isn't available anymore. I haven't kept up with the new stuff at all so I was wondering if I could get some help essentially creating a new HTPC similar to mine, just upgraded.

Like I said, I have
1. Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 2.66GHz Processor
2. GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H with NVideo GeForce 9400 chipset
3. 2 GB of Ram
4. Lite-On 4x Blu-ray Reader
5. Antec Steel Fusion Micro ATX Case
6. 500 GB Hard Drive

I appreciate any help!
Thanks,
Luke

[lboyce]

Could someone at least suggest to me a good mobo with integrated graphics that could replace the E7AUM? That's really the main thing I need.

[officeboy]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813500019
is pretty much it... and the recent reviews don't look good.

Nvidia has really left the chipset market, so that leaves you really with only intel.. but besides kinda sucking, there isn't good selection at the upper end. (x4500hd)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLis...rchInDesc=

Best options are something intel and a video card or AMD and a 785g ATI chipset or maybe 8300 (better value there probably anyways)