T-break will help you build one of those itty-bitty HTPC's by offering a guide on the best things to put inside it.  Assuming you've already found a nice barebones enclosure, follow their advice, and your home theatre system should be impressing people in no time. 

"In fact, for non-gamers we would recommend an Intel CPU + chipset combo. While we havent had a

chance to look at any VIIV platform from Intel yet, we're guessing that it would be an ideal

choice for an HTPC. CPU-wise, the 820D which is a dual core CPU, seems like a good buy, however,

Intel is also planning on releasing an 805D CPU which is a 533MHz FSB/2.66GHz dual core CPU priced

around US$160. These CPUs should handle the multimedia capabilities of your system just fine."

Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:

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• Silverstone LC17 HTPC Case

Review @ Bjorn3D

Lascala 17, LC17B HTPC Case @ CaseModGod.com

Serial ATA hard drive round-up @ the Tech Report