Media Center setup issues

I've been running my Media Center PC as a HTPC for a few weeks now, and here are some issues I have noted:

1. Antec Veris Remote Max case
(a) I found that the case has two jumper connectors that allow the remote to power the box on OR the front power button to. I can not have both connected so that I can do both - it's either or... (b) The case was quite noise in place under the TV, but I did not know whether it was the hard disk(s), CPU fan or case fans. Futher investigation reveal it to be the case fans (of which I only had one on)... so I think I need to replace at least on for a silent fan... (c) The locations of the DVD/CD-ROM drive and the hard disks are so far apart that it made it impossible to connect both and IDE DVD/CD-ROM drive and a hard disk under the same IDE channel. To solve this I purchased a SATA DVD/CD-ROM AND removed the IDE 160Gb CE drive. (d) I have to look at the iMON software and tweak it a bit more. The volume button on the case seems pretty useless at the moment...

2. Pentium 4, 4Gb RAM, GeForce 6600LE GPU, Abit AA8-3rd Eye mobo
Currently, this setup is working fine for a Media Center. I had it recording a programme could do other things without too much problems. But I have not fully stress-tested it, so it might proved not so adequate. My current problem with is this setup is the power consumption - up to 160W at max usage... not to good. My FOXSAT-HDR will consume upto 50W at max usage. See above for the comments on the £130 case, but having seenthe good looking Opera Media Center ATX case for just £35, I wonder if this could be an alternative, if bought with a basic iMON remote and sensor?

3. MediaPortal software
This seems to provide what is required, but the problem seems to be the setup - needed a lot of time and effort to get it working properly and doing what you want. The good things is that it seems to have all the plug-ins you want, and there's a support forum where you can get help. There are some major quirks to get used too or overcome with MediaPortal and its plug-ins... but could be worth it in the end. I am currently trying my MP configuration to work properly with WebEPG, Streamed-MP skin, Moving Pictures plug-in... next will be the TV Series and For the Record plug-ins...