Any better info on these cards?

[Steve]

In AGP form, Sapphire has these cards: HD 2600XT, HD 2600PRO, HD 2400PRO, HD 2400XT. I want to get one for my HTPC and will probably go with the 2400 Pro because I assume it has lower power consumption/heat dissipation. Fanless would be a bonus for silence. I'm just wondering if I'm missing out on anything by aiming low here, although I don't do any gaming - I just want one of these for its HD decoding and HDCP compliance.

 

[jkresh]

someone did a roundup recently comparing the hd2400/2600 and nvidia 8600/8800, for use in hd video decoding. The 8600/2600 scored the best, with the 2400 doing reasonably well on most test, and the 8800 in last. The 2400 is probably fine but the 2600 pro seems to have some benefits for hd viewing.

http://www.guru3d.com/article/Videocards/443/1/

 

[Steve]

Thanks very much, I'll look at this more at home. It sounds very helpful