EggXpert

I'm starting a budget PC build (my first ground-up build), and I'm trying to determine which motherboard to use.  The primary use for the computer will be email, web surfing, HTPC, and occaisional mild gaming.  For HTPC use, it needs to have HDMI output.  Other than that, I'm open for recommendations.

I'm planning on an AMD Athlon 64 X2 3.1 GHz processor, and I'll either be running Windows XP 64-bit or Vista Home Premium 64-bit.

What motherboard has the best integrated graphics capabilities?  My guess is that I can save money by going with a motherboard with integrated graphics, but maybe I'm wrong.  My budget for the motherboard (and video card if it isn't integrated) is roughly $125, but cheaper is better.  Am I better off (with the budget in mind) going with onboard graphics, or by buying a less expensive motherboard and buying a separate, dedicated video card? 

One suggestion I've already received would be to get the GIGABYTE GA-MA78G-DS3H motherboard and combine that with a SAPPHIRE 100234VGAL Radeon HD 3450 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 video card for improved graphics capability.  Suggestions are welcome!

Thanks

Well, when you say "mild gaming", what do you have in mind? What kind of games, what resolution do you use, etc. 

This is a possible combination:

Foxconn A7GM-S AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail - $76 (after shipping)

POWERCOLOR AX3650 512MD2 Radeon HD 3650 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail - $60 ($45 after a rebate)

It's a mild upgrade from the 3450.

EDIT: Why on Earth do you need 8GB? "email, web surfing, HTPC, and occaisional mild gaming" would need 4GB max (since you're on Vista). If you can reduce the cost of RAM you could apply that to a better motherboard or video card.

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Probably some racing / ATV games, maybe Microsoft Flight Simulator, but this would only about 1% of my machine's usage (maybe less than that).

Why use 8GB of RAM?  I picked up 8 GB for $50 after rebate, so it's hard to argue with. 

Thanks for the recommendation, I'll take a look at the details of the Foxconn motherboard and Powercolor card.
 

the best onboard video card? I think it should be 790GX with HD 3300 or Nvidia Geforce 8300

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131320

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131354

790GX