2400XT, 2600XT vs 7 Series and 85/600's

[Spiked]

Need to know whats the best option..

Sub $115 after shipping is what i can afford.

2400XT
2600XT GDDR3 Version (GDDR4 is $150+)
8500GT
8600GT

which one is better for 42" plasma with 1080i output via HDMI.

im leaning towards the 2400/2600xt because of its Audio over HDMI options.

any suggestions?

and dont suggestion a 8800GTS or something over $120 mark. cause im just gonna tell you to read the freaking original post.

There will be no gaming as I already have a gaming rig for that.

 

[n7]

I can't remember what site i read it at, but the most recent review i read was rating the HD series better for video quality (this review was mainly surrounding HD video quality), & the audio capability is a great bonus.

So yeah, 2400 or 2600 would be my recommendation.

Cookie for whoever can link to the review i have in mind.

 

[customcoms]

This about sums it up:http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3047&p=7

Get the 8600GT....this round of AMD/ATI cards is mediocre imo (not that the nvidia cards are stellar).

 

[Spiked]

well 2600xt is getting my vote so far, unless anyone can provide info on the nvidia 8 series providing audio over hdmi?

 

[heyheybooboo]

Guru3d: HD-HQV on GeForce 8600 & Radeon HD 2600

Tech Report: AMD's Radeon HD 2400 and 2600 series graphics processors
(cookie winner? )

 

[Keysplayr]

Anandtech's Article July23rd.

HD Video Decode Quality and Performance Summer '07

 

[Keysplayr]

Originally posted by: Spiked
well 2600xt is getting my vote so far, unless anyone can provide info on the nvidia 8 series providing audio over hdmi?

What exactly is audio over HDMI? And why is it an attractive option?

And maybe you should read this as well.

 

[n7]

Originally posted by: heyheybooboo
Guru3d: HD-HQV on GeForce 8600 & Radeon HD 2600

Tech Report: AMD's Radeon HD 2400 and 2600 series graphics processors
(cookie winner? )

Indeed, for you!

Seems like we have a bunch of differing results in the reviews.

Since gaming isn't a concern, i'd likely start leaning toward whatever you think will work best.

Maybe take into account the extra cost of DVI to HDMI adaptors + audio cable adaptors for the 8500/8600 & HDMI cable for the HD 2400/2600 too.

 

[Spiked]

Originally posted by: heyheybooboo
Guru3d: HD-HQV on GeForce 8600 & Radeon HD 2600

Tech Report: AMD's Radeon HD 2400 and 2600 series graphics processors
(cookie winner? )

You win a cookie and you won me over on the 2600XT

Originally posted by: keysplayr2003

Originally posted by: Spiked
well 2600xt is getting my vote so far, unless anyone can provide info on the nvidia 8 series providing audio over hdmi?

What exactly is audio over HDMI? And why is it an attractive option?

And maybe you should read this as well.

I dont plan on running vista. Im XP PRO for life or until i dont get support for it anymore LOL.

 

[jldash]

Just wanted to reiterate an important detail that "got" me. The 8500 and 8600 nvidia boards do not yet have PureVideo HD support in Windows XP.
That means you will not get HD-DVD or Blu-Ray (VC1) acceleration until Nvidia releases new drivers. They were supposed to be out by July.
I found this out the hard way (after spending all the cash for components and wondering why I am still at 99% CPU usage when trying to watch 1080p content!

If you are already on Vista, then don't worry and grab the Nvidia part.

 

[Spiked]

that makes me even more happy im purchasing a 2600XT thanks JLDASH

 

[Fenixgoon]

i like the fact that you can get a 2600 fanless without much a price bump (or if any).. the gigabyte 2600xt has been OOS on ZZF for quite some time though

 

[jldash]

Glad to help. I picked up a heat-piped 8600 from newegg but can't play anything over 720p due to my slow 3500+ A64... If PureVideo HD for XP doesn't happen soon, I'll have to go with ATi

 

[imported_Doughboy]

I too have been shopping for the right video card for my XP MCE machine (no intention for Vista). I'd like to add HD DVD playback by way of the Xbox HD DVD drive attachment. So to clarify, the 2600xt drivers supports 1080p decoding in Windows XP?

Current system specs:
Asus P4P800-E Deluxe
3.2GHz Northwood
2GB or DDR400 RAM (4x512mb)
x800xl AGP
2 x ATI tv wonder elite for SD broadcasts
1 x ATI HDTV Wonder for Hi-Def OTA broadcasts
Multiple HDs for

The x2600XT AGP model isn't out yet, but does anyone think this won't work?

 

[Spiked]

well im using a X2 3600+ Dual core AM2 so no worries bout single core problems.

as for ZZF its way more expensive than Newegg..

2600XT with Regular Heatsink is $109 + $5 shipping.. so less than $115 with 3 choices..

Powercooler http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814131059
HIS http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814161179
Sapphire http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814102700

all of which are single slot coolers, altho the Sapphire uses a full card cooler where as the other 2 use a single fan solution.

the cheapest Non fan system is $126 after rebate and is OOS

 

[jldash]

I too have been shopping for the right video card for my XP MCE machine (no intention for Vista). I'd like to add HD DVD playback by way of the Xbox HD DVD drive attachment. So to clarify, the 2600xt drivers supports 1080p decoding in Windows XP?

Great question, I do not know that for a fact... I guess the same Vista-only limitation could be true of the ATI parts. Anyone with an ATI 24xx or 26xx card and XP care to chime in?

As an addendum: folks over at AVS forum have shared a link to some "leaked" beta Nvidia drivers that allegedly include PVHD for XP for the 85xx and 86xx series. I installed them and didn't have luck getting overlay output so I uninstalled. Also, PowerDVD released an update on Aug 6th for their Ultra player that also should help out.

I have yet to try *both* updates at the same time.