Windows 7: Advice regarding HTPC design

Hey all,



After screwing around with a raspberry pi for a few weeks (read: wasting time), I've decided to take the easier route out and build a windows-based box. I was wondering if you guys might have some advice, as I've never built an htpc box before.

Looking for:
- setup capable of 1080p playback
- quiet
- compact, horizontal case
- no gaming/encoding required, but n64 emulator should not be a problem
- 4 hard drives (more will make the case bigger)

Have:
- 4 hard drives
- win 7 license

Suggested build:
Edit: pedroc1999 is helping me out with this now, feel free to weigh in on anything. limit is ~$400

Thanks
-green

I am happy to help you pick parts but first... I need to know a real budget not just unlimited

Much appreciated. $400ish, though that's a moving target. That's not including hard drives which I already have. I also already have a Windows license.

OK,

So for processor I recommend the i3 3225 because of its hyperthreading and Intel HD4000 Graphics, Also very Energy Effecient http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116774

Motherboard : h61 Chipset http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...16813157236H61 Chipset

More to come

Case - Newegg.com - nMEDIAPC Black Aluminum / Acrylic / Steel HTPC 6000B ATX Media Center / HTPC Case

Nah no need for a cd/bluray drive. I have a desktop which can handle those if need be.

Looks promising so far, its also important for me that this thing be quiet. My current desktop hums like a power saw.

Ram - Newegg.com - Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model BLS8G3D1609DS1S00

PSU - Newegg.com - CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 430W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

Does it need wifi card?

I have a wifi dongle, should be enough