HTPC Build, Any Recommendations?

[grimdeath]

I have always wanted to setup and run a linux based home theatre PC. I am looking to build one and keep it as cheap as possible but still HD capable. No bluray needed yet, though id like the ability to upgrade later. I dont know if I would rather run Ubuntu or Mythbuntu. Im looking for these types of functions:

-play/rip/record dvd
-dvr functionality for tv
-surround sound capable (onboard surround probably ok)
-regular internet browsing (hulu, youtube, etc..)
-play/rip/record music (dedicated hard drive?)I have a book full of music cds id like to store on the pc eventually.
-play radio (regular and internet)

I just mostly care about the functionality of it and keeping the price cheap. I would like to build the system custom since I have a couple stray computer parts laying around. I am not sure if I would need a videocard since I would be running to a tv all of the time but I could sell these to raise money for the rest of the parts if not!

What I have:
-amd athlon 64 3000 socket 939 cpu
-2x 512mb ocz platinum ram regular ddr ram
-nvidia 7800gt videocard or (2x) 7600gt
-atx power supply (gotta check what type)

what I need:
-motherboard (socket 939, wired lan)
-tv tuner card
-case (small and quiet, not micro atx)
-dvd drive (bluray eventually)
-hard drive(s)
-wireless keyboard/mouse combo

I currently have tv/internet service through Time Warner Cable and have one of their HD dvr set top boxes (id have to check the exact model) so everything has to work with that or replace it if possible. I also have a OLD surround sound box thats on it's last leg.

Let me know what you guys think, im open to all suggestions.

[aeiah]

i havent time to write a lot, but you might struggle with HD content with that cpu. perhaps not though. i have a socket 939 3800 x2 and i can play content fine, although 1080p apple trailers can stutter at times, as can some of the newer 720p ones. all 720p HD mkvs play fine for me though. i guess since the motherboard will probably only cost £25 it wont be too much of a gamble, but you will probably find that HD content plays stuttery.

go for a dual core something or other. it doesnt have to be top of the range or anything, or you could wait for the new VIA motherboards that will start coming out that'll be linux certified and have onboard 264 decoders on them

[grimdeath]

hmm, i didnt expect the cpu handles that much of the load for video playback. are you watching the trailers via streaming or have you downloaded and viewed them? since you said apple I assume that means quicktime videos? whats the rest of your specs?

not doubting you, but I did run the cpu/7800gt/ram in a gaming system for a couple years, just a bit shocked cause I swear I had watched some HD vids on there and never had noticeable stuttering.

...on a side note, I may not be able to build this yet if I cannot figure out a temporary solution to output from the pc to my current tv which is SD. my videocard has two DVI ports so would I be able to convert to component (the best my current tv can handle)? I will be getting and HDTV by the end of the year but it would just be nice to get the htpc setup and out of the way now.

*edit*
I found this:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10235&cs_id=1023504&p_id=2508&seq=1&format=2

and this:
http://sewelldirect.com/dvivideoadapter.asp

but it strickly warns that it will not work unless the videocard allows component out. the EVGA 7800gt says "hdtv output" right on the box though...hmm any idea if that would work to convert DVI PC output to TV component input? the card also has vivo (video in, video out) but I do not know if that work's outside of windows, i know vista doesnt have the correct nvidia driver for it...or they didnt last I checked...so I doubt it would work in ubuntu :/

[brokenLockpick]

I'm using an Evga 7800gt with component out via the vivo dongle and I don't think the linux driver works properly, works fine in XP but the red channel of the component cable does not seem to be sending data for me(under linux).

As for motherboard I'm using a Foxconn 6150K8MA-EKRS it's m-atx and can do raid-5(software though) don't know if they still make it or an equivalent but it's one of the best overclocking m-atx boards I've seen (if that matters to you)

Edit: I might be biased, I bought the board to overclock as part of portable gaming rig and then retire as an htpc component

[brokenLockpick]

Update for the OP:

I've got the 7800gt working through the RGB component cables it's able to send in HD with seemingly no problems (just had to manually edit my xorg.conf)

[Jean__]

@aeiah
Do you have some links for that, couldn't find any.

or you could wait for the new VIA motherboards that will start coming out that'll be linux certified and have onboard 264 decoders on them