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[Darkeraver]

Hi guys,

I am looking to upgrade my much used HTPC system and am seeking advice on the best way to go for Red October HQ / MadVR HQ.
Current system based in an Antec Fusion 430 case comprises a Intel Pentium E5200 (Stock Cooler), 8GB DDR2-800, Asus P5M-VM HDMI MBoard, AMD HD 5450 ( Passive) Graphics and 60GB SSD with Win8.1 & MC20 and currently uses Red October Standard.
I am initially looking to change motherboard and CPU (I already have Corsair 2x4Gb DDR3-1600) maybe adding another dedicated GPU later (750Ti or similar ideally with HDMI2 or DisplayPort) for when I change my 50" Panny plasma for 4K. As the system is in a cabinet with limited airflow I am looking to reduce temps utilizing a sub 65W Core i3 or i5 CPU with Intel HD4600 and removing the AMD HD 5450 as it adds to the temps due to the airflow.
Budget is around £200 or $313.

I understand the Intel HD4600 integrated GPU is OK for basic Red October HQ. I play mainly 1080p bluray rips, some TV shows at 1080i or 720p which I would like to scale to 1080p and a few 576/480 DVDs which I would also like to upscale to 1080p. I know NNEDI3 is probably pushing it on this setup.

Would I be better keeping costs down initially by getting a Core i3-4350 54W Haswell (or a 35W T model), or a Core i5-4430S 65W (or a 35W T model)? Does MC20 prefer Core i5?

I was also looking at a motherboard with DisplayPort (and M.2 socket) such as the MSI H97M-G43 as it claims 3840x2160@60Hz for that port if I get my 4k TV sooner...is this a good idea?

Any help or recommendations would be gratefully accepted!

Many thanks guys,
Dave