8800 GT or 4850 for (Vizio 47" LCD) HTPC?

[bupkus]

I just got the 8800gt from evga for a warranty replacement from a 7900gt and just out of laziness I'd like to install it into the Foxconn and use that for an HTPC. It has twin DVI ports and I have a dvi -> HDMI converter from the 4850; I don't know if it would work in the 8800gt.
I'm not playing games anymore as I just finished HL2 Episodes 1 & 2 and I think I just may retire from gaming [health issues] and I'm 59 years old anyway.

Should I [go through the not too much trouble if it's worth it] swap out the 4850 to the Foxconn OR just leave it in the Gigabyte and install the 8800gt to the Foxconn and try to use the adapter mentioned above?


PC for HTPC:
OS: Windows 7 32-bit
MB: BIOSTAR MCP6P-M2 AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6150 / nForce 430
CPU: AMD Sempron LE-1100 Sparta 1.9GHz 256KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 45W Single-Core
GPU: 4850 512 by VisionTek
HDD: 160GB
DDR: 2x1 GB (no more coming)

 

[PJABBER]

Either way should work fine. I would use the quieter card in the quietest system so that you keep any ambient noise to a minimum.

Here is a description of what the Nvidia PureVideo HD does -

Nvidia PureVideo HD

 

[heyheybooboo]

I wouldn't be so certain that the ATI "HDMI converter " would work with your 8800gt

 

[bupkus]

Originally posted by: PJABBER
Either way should work fine. I would use the quieter card in the quietest system so that you keep any ambient noise to a minimum.

Here is a description of what the Nvidia PureVideo HD does -

Nvidia PureVideo HD

I've yet to even try the 8800gt so I don't know which is louder.

However, considering hhbb's comment I may as well just make the swap and use the hdmi cable I... think I have.

Edit: no, I don't have.

 

[KIAman]

If you're expecting sound to come out of your HDMI by default, it will only work with the ATI HD4850. The 8800GT requires a cable to connect to your sound card or onboard sound.

 

[PJABBER]

KIAman posted at the same time as I did!

The DVI to HDMI "converter" is just a pin to pin hardware piece so that you can use the HDMI connector on your TV set to receive the video signal from your PC. You can use it with any current video card that has one or more DVI Out connectors, which is all of them.

ATI 4850

The 4850 may have a convenience advantage in that it will output audio directly. Depending on how you installed drivers, you may or may not have also installed the required HDMI Audio Driver.

To be sure, update your driver to Catalyst 9.6 and get the latest required HDMI Audio Driver here, under Optional Downloads -

Catalyst Downloads

Here is a good description of what it MIGHT take to get audio out:

AVSForum help on audio from the ATI 48** series of GPUs

Warning: This is an in-depth help thread and discussion! You don't need to get into all of it to make HDMI Audio work, just update your drivers and enable HDMI Audio Out in your setup.

Nvidia 8800GT

You still need to have a way to get the audio out to the TV (ie PC sound card out to TV sound in) if you use the 8800GT as it doesn't have a built in audio chip like the 4850. Here you have to refer to your sound card, or motherboard if you use on-board sound, manufacturer for the latest drivers.

You did not list what optical drives you have, so one last thought is that both of your GPUs can handle Blu-ray and HD-DVD, as well as regular DVDs. Of course you do need a player capable of the formats. A good one is the LG Electronics GGC-H20L LightScribe Blu-Ray/HD DVD Combo Drive. I just saw it on sale at Amazon and Newegg for $109.99 with free shipping.

 

[bupkus]

I have my new HTPC connected to my Vizio and running now but no sound. I downloaded and installed the onboard sound drivers from Biostar but that only seem to feed the speakers by way of the rear panel sound ports.
So I have a great picture but no sound.

PJABBER, I looked for the "HDMI Audio Driver" or "9-6_xp32-64_hdmiaudio" but it is only available under XP and earlier OS's. I downloaded the file "9-6_vista32-64_xcode" but it is described as a format converter.
Why wouldn't it be inside the latest Catalyst?
Is there a setting I need to change?

 

[bupkus]

Finally, I went to RealTek's website and downloaded the file HDMI_R228. I installed and had sound through my HDMI cable.