It's time to replace the NF7-s that has essentially been serving as a video decoder from my HDTV. I want to do something more along the lines of an HTPC, but I'm not that interested in time shifting. Instead I tend to use online video streams, DVD rips, and other digital media like that. The only other big thing I'd like to do with the system is use it to run emulators for my older games. I have wanted to build a mini ITX system for a little while, but after doing some searching, I'm not sure there is enough stuff up to the task of what I want to do. I think the whole thing will essentially be based around the case. I want the system to look like an AV receiver (this is the sort of thing I had in mind for appearance). There seem to be a lot of options for full size ATX board, and a pretty decent one for micro ATX, but not a whole lot for mini ITX. Right now, I've only seen two cases that are along the lines of what I am after, and can handle mini ITX. http://www.luxa2store.com/products/enclosure/lm200/LVA20012N1Z.htm (I'd prefer one that is all black though) http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=NzE4 Then there is the issue of what board to go with. I have an E6550 right now, so I figured I might go with an LGA775 board. Originally it was a DG45FC that got me started thinking about a mini ITX HTPC, but it looks like it has a few weaknesses (like sound). The Zotac boards seem to be popular, especially the 9300 based ones. But I think I need to learn more about the 9300 chipset. Finally, I found an AOpen board that looks like it could be interesting, the NMCP7AUT-V. I have yet to explore micro ATX options. Are there cases an boards I am overlooking for mini ITX, or is mirco ATX really the better way to go?
