If I were to buy a HTPC today:
http://www.hifiatx.com/hfx.php?module=cm-spec&lang=EN
*mCubed HFX mini
*Intel Core2 Duo E6600 (highend) or Duo E6300 (lowend)
http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/07/..._64/page2.html
*slim DVD-spiller, slowed down by anyDVD
*Samsung SpinPoint T133S 400GB
*Asus GeForce 7600GT 256MB GDDR3 Silent
Discussion? I think that cabinet selection is debatable, since it is integrated PSU, slimline optical, quite expensive. The benefit is good looks and lownoise construction. CPU choice is simple: nothing but intel Core2.
-k