PercyChuggs

"
I'd look into getting an ATI video card for a HTPC. The audio hdmi audio out options are a different class than nvidia's. ie, nvidia's audio out via hdmi is gimpy (gts 450 is kinda crappy too) 
i'd look @ the new ati 6000s    
6850 seems like a nice cost/perf (still kinda weak imo.. but you are looking @ the crappy 450.. it is better than that.)
 
You'll kick youself if you ever plan on connecting that to a receiver (right now it is just a pc connected to your tv vs a htpc)...  
    
don't get a mobo with hdmi.. that is a waste. your video card should be going video and audio via hdmi.
 
 
best htpc keyboard:  
http://www.logitech.com/en-us/keyboards/keyboard/devices/192 
 
i'd also suggest getting the wireless 360 controller for the computer too. no, just have a wireless 360 controller won't work. you need to get the pc adpator for it. 
http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-Wireless-Gaming-Receiver-Windows-Pc/dp/B000HZFCT2 
   get a bluray reader - most can drive dvds and they are cheap  get everything SATA. not ghetto EIDE cables.  i'd also throw in a 60gig SSD for the boot drive.also, as suggeste above use newegg and don't skimp out  on the PS.  feel free to pm me if you like.. htpc is serious bizness :) (and there is nothing worse than spending money just to undershoot and limit your future options) "

So I bought all the stuff, and it should be coming to me in shipments this week through Amazon. Made a couple changes to above. Went with a Cooler Master 690 II Advance mid tower case, and 650 W power supply. Will post video and pictures of build when I built it (hopefully Friday, Thursday at the earliest)

" It indeed looks great, but im waiting for a price drop on it. Its too short for my budget right now.  "

Vanquish makes Gears of War look like playing checkers with your comatose grandmother.

I always wonder why people buy a console or handheld, and THEN ask what games they should get for it. Shouldn't you already know what games you want? Wouldn't that be the whole reason you bought the thing?

Sites like 1Up or GameSpot, with fairly large editorial staffs, are a thing of the past. Look at Kotaku, or Giant Bomb. They essentially do the exact same things 1Up does, with what, 3-7 people?

Man this thread has blown up! I need time to read all this stuff.

Awesome help and input as always. I half expected a bunch of "U cant git l33t pc for that much, n00b!"