Best cheap video card for HTPC - Image quality!

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NAC

Golden Member
Dec 30, 2000
1,105
11
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Converting my old Core 2 Quad machine to a HTPC. Doesn't have integrated graphics.
It will NOT be used for any gaming - mainly just encoded movies and over the air TV.
Will use Windows 7 media center. Will output video and sound via HDMI to my reciever.
Passive cooled is a plus. Cheaper is better, and I hope to spend less than $50 unless there is a glaring need to spend more.

I've read about some image quality problems on the very low end video cards, but since reviews of low end cards are few and far inbetween - it is hard to keep track with the latest status.

What do you recommend and why?
 
B

Binky

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
4,046
4
81
Cheap = $20 = 6450 or GT520, but some IQ issues
Best = $50 = GT430 or 5550+, no IQ issues

I forget the models in the AMD range, but anything of the 5-series (x5xx) or above are good. The 4-series cards are low-end. Most people probably wouldn't notice the difference in an HTPC only machine. I moved one HTPC from a 5450 to a GT430 recently, and there is a definite improvement in menu speeds, especially in Media Browser.
 
B

Binky

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
4,046
4
81
Different tests come to different conclusions:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4380/discrete-htpc-gpus-shootout/4

"Coming to the business end of the review, it must be quite clear by now that we can't recommend the GT 520 or the AMD 6450 with full confidence."

Although, that was back in June 2011. Driver improvements may have helped.

The 6450 linked above is also a 1GB DDR3 model, which is not comparable to the DDR5 card reviewed. On the anandtech link, that card is most similar to the MSI 6450 on the far right end of the table. As you can see, it scores pretty low.
 
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