So I am trying to spec a system out and am literally at a standstill trying to find a suitable motherboard. Am still open to either running a AMD X2 or Intel Core Duo chip although I am leaning towards AMD due to value.

Needs - either micro ATX or full size. Been looking at full size for more PCI slots. I am open to utilizing onboard video (w. DVI out) if available, but this is definitely not necessary as I don't mind adding a vid card.

I guess I really need a minimum of 3 PCI slots - 1 for sound card (Chaintech), 1 for already purchased Hauppauge 150 card, and at least one more PCI for a second tuner card. HD will be handled via HD Homerun. This brings up another question - if HDHR uses one Ethernet connection, do I also need a second ethernet connection on mb to hook the box up to a cable modem or is there a good alternative (hub?)?

Please provide your suggestions. Thanks in advance!

To be really obvious here, why don't you build a KRP Dragon? The work has already been done, the machine is extremely quiet etc. etc.

Mike

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LinHES 7.4
Australian Dragon
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Definitely something I have been considering and will likely go that route, BUT I was thinking more of a different case (Lian-Li), and it seems like for the money I can get much better value and a little extra performance out of one of the AMD X2 chips. I want to be somewhat future proofed with the ability to add Blu-ray or HD DVD. With a faster AMD chip and still less money than Intel, I would have a little more "comfort" room.

Here are the two CPUs I'm considering:
AMD X2 4800 - 2.5GHz at $125
C2D E6300 - 1.86GHz at $164

Not a big difference in money, but obviously the X2 has a definitely performance advantage and supposedly they run much cooler than the C2D chips and POSSIBLY use less power. This CPU/Motherboard is still one of the few last few hardware hurdles.

I have 2 frontends using the Asus M2NPV-VM http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=3 ... odelmenu=1 coupled with 1) a 3200+ single core and 2) 3800+ X2. Both work great. You could get the optional SPDIF connector for audio (or use the onboard analog as I do), giving you 2 PCI slots for tuners. There's a good HowTo on the wiki for this board: http://www.knoppmythwiki.org/index.php? ... s+M2NPV-VM

I've considered that board since it has built in video with DVI out. However, it just does not have enough PCI slots (2). I need 2 for analog tuners (already have a 150 and need a second) and a third for 5.1 audio through a chaintech card. Can you tell me more about the SPDIF connector? Does this mb have onboard 5.1 audio and only needs the SPDIF connector? Does this take up a PCI slot or do I still have 2 free for tuner cards?

A quick Google for "Asus M2NPV-VM SPDIF" turns up many results, including http://estore.asus.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=1420 and the specification page from the link I supplied indicates