Ok, so I have been out of the loop for awhile now, but understand most of what is out there.
Having said that. I am on a budget (imagine that?!), and looking to go in two directions at once (if possible..)

Here is what I hope to do... I only play 1 game (BF2), and would like to see a really nice improvement since my old system. SLI is probably not necessary, but would be a fun possibility.
I also have a 46" DLP tv, that I would like to rig this thing to. So, HDMI is probably a necessary output.
But, in terms of running this thing on my TV, I want to record in HD. So, media center, with gaming capability is basically what I need.
I will probably put a crap-ton of gigs in it, but, is it possible to run 2 TV cards, and record 2 channels at once?
I am aiming to eventually have my entire DVD collection on PC, so I can just select from there... Are there any noticeable loses in terms of video/sound quality? Will the 46" TV turn to pixel garbage? More importantly, will the audio/video skip, or be out of sync?

Is what I am asking for near impossible?

I appreciate your advice, as I am a born again nub...

EDIT: Ok, please, guys.. Enough responses... I mean, all my boxes are full, and they are threatening to close the thread.. Due to band-with-out response!

Hello,

Yes, it is possible to build a "gaming + HTPC" system. There are some cases just for that. One example: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/625

Cases like this one will fit high-end video cards.

You don't need SLI (otherwise you would need a bigger case).

For connecting the PC to your home theater system, you will need a DVI-to-HDMI cable:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812270114

And make sure the motherboard you pick (it got to be a microATX model) has optical SPDIF output, so you can connect the audio to your home theater receiver to get a nice 5.1 audio in your living room.

Cheers,
Gabriel.

I only play 1 game (BF2), and would like to see a really nice improvement since my old system.Dare I ask what your old system is?
I will probably put a crap-ton of gigs in it, ... to eventually have my entire DVD collection on PC.I read this as having a sizeable array of harddrives. Correct?
That would rule out Gabriel's suggested case above.
I'd go for a medium tower with place for several harddrives. Probably the Antec P182, unless eight drives are considered too few.
... is it possible to run 2 TV cards, and record 2 channels at once?AFAIK, yes!

Cheers
Olle

The new line of Nvidia's GeForce 9300 motherboards offer the best in HD video and audio, plus Dual-Channel. You can use the onboard chipsets without having to purchase a Graphic or Audio Card. Found that Zotac.com had best options for my back panel connection set-up. Also, if you have cable or satelite TV service, look for the IR Blaster to control your set top box. Hauppauge 1600-model 1178 or 1199. To leave the gaming/overclocking option open, I chose the Intel E8500 CPU.