Gotta disagree psicodude.
Intel had grabbed the performance/price crown with the Core 2 Duo (and I'd be considered an AMD fanboi - I've actually never purchased an Intel proc, but that will soon change).
I usually go to Memory Express, but if you are willing to be patient then ordering from NCIX is sometimes a better deal if the shipping isn't too bad.
STeeLy, your budget is a bit low to get the good video cards right now. If you are thinking about the Window MCE, then the best ATI-AIW would be your best choice - it has the tuner built in. Optionally, find an N-Vidia card that says VIVO (video in, video out) to get similar options.
Most motherboards have 5.1 audio on board, that will save you a bit of cash. You won't get all the EAX effects (which are a Creative, proprietary technology), but I'm not sure it is worth it to pay extra money for them.
As far as motherboards go, I'm not sure. Asus is always good. I haven't done a lot of research myself quite yet.
And psicodude is right about the PSU - processors are dropping their power requirements but other things like videocards are wanting more than ever.
One other thing - if you want to use this machine for watching TV you should try and find stuff as quiet at possible. Zalman heatsinks are pretty solid.
__________________
"The problem with any ideology is that it gives the answer before you look at the evidence."
—Bill Clinton
"The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance--it is the illusion of knowledge."
—Daniel J. Boorstin, historian, former Librarian of Congress
"But the Senator, while insisting he was not intoxicated, could not explain his nudity"
—WKRP in Cincinatti
|