I just share something I read on the XBMC [1] Web site.
The Broadcom Crystal HD Hardware Decoder (BCM970012) seems to be an alternative for HD playback with free drivers [2]. You can get it at as an mini-PCIE card at eBay for 22 $ [3].
If this is all true in my opinion these are fantastic news.
This is great news indeed. In the comments someone mentions this motherboard:
http://www.intel.com/products/desktop/motherboards/D510MO/D510MO-overview.ht...
It can be passively cooled, has a pci and a mini pci-e slot, but it lacks hdmi.
have a look at IntelĀ® Desktop Board D945GSEJT http://www.intel.com/products/desktop/motherboards/D945GSEJT/D945GSEJT-overv...