Best card for 1280x720

[imported_TimBob]

I had some unused parts lying around so decided to build a HTPC out of them.
Pentium D 805 @3.3 ghz
Asrock 775 dual VSTA motherboard
1 gig DDR1
Radeon 9800 Pro
74 GB raptor.
600 watt Seasonic PSU

This is hooked up to a Panasonic AE700 projector running at 1280x720 native resolution on 106 inch screen.

I've mainly been watching movies on it, but I think I'm ready to start playing some games and I think I'll find the 9800 pro a little outdated for newer games. I am looking at the 1900xt for $300ish but wondering if it is overkill for 1280x720? If so, any recommendations for the best card for that resoultion with high quality settings?

Thanks,
Tim

 

[sisq0kidd]

That is overkill for 1280x720.

Perhaps an x800xl, x800gto, 6800gt, 7600gt may better suite you.

 

[morgash]

as crysis, quake wars, and bf 2142 start to roll out i think you will find the x1900 being just right at that res with all the eye candy. If you wanted to save some cash you could go with a x1800xt 256mb or a 7900gt but i wouldnt go much lower than that. I know my friend's x850xt has trouble running oblivion at 1280x1024 with anything more than 2xAA. If you have the cash available and wont be hurt by spending it then get the x1900xt, it will give you MUCH more life outta ur vid card than anything from 2 or 3 gens ago.

Morgash

 

[TheRyuu]

Yea get that X1900XT. You won't regret it

 

[ElFenix]

1280x720 is a really low resolution. not even a million pixels of resolution. just a little bigger than 1024x768. so you might as well save the money because anything from a 7600GT on up is going to be waiting for your processor, even with all the goodies turned on. then at least you can get a new card more often.

 

[rbV5]

My X1800XL is a good match for my gaming HTPC driving a 720p display matched with an AMD64@1.8GHz. Its not exactly quiet in an HTPC environment however, but any similar recent midrange card would be good performance wise for that kind of setup.

 

[Munky]

For the most part, the x1900xt is overkill for that resolution, except maybe in really demanding games like Oblivion with all the eye candy turned up. But for about $300 it's the fastest card there is, and it'll definitely last you a long time. If you want to save some money, you could get a x1900gt or 7900gt for a little over $200.