Best videocard for a non-gamer?

[OMGNOOOO]

I'm building something for a friend who doesn't play any games. Onboard video is still less than ideal, right? What should I put in for just light media editing, watching DVDs, etc?

 

[Aberforth]

8600 GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...GT&bop=And&Order=PRICE

 

[nitromullet]

If the motherboard has DVI out then you can stick with the onboard. If it doesn't and they want DVI because it looks a lot better with an LCD, grab something like this 7300GS.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814125041

This card works great for everything 2D (even Vista Aero), and it's passive so it's nice and quiet.

 

[dingetje]

any

 

[Punjab234]

Powercolor SILENT HD 3650 $ 89.99

Newegg 3650 89$

 

[BlueAcolyte]

Newegg Sapphire HD 3450 $55 shipped, accelerates HD video, plays light games

 

[Elstupido]

Just picked this one up, and plays DVD's and TV very nicely.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814102703

 

[Capt Caveman]

Since he doesn't game, I have no idea why people are recommending anything over $50.

Should be able to find a 8500GT for around $40 AR.

 

[nyker96]

If your friend does H264 viewing then get the 3450 that's excellent for that.

 

[scheibler1]

any pci-e card with dvi

 

[Aberforth]

He said "Best video card for non-gamer?"...not just any PCI-E card, he also mentioned light media editing, watching dvd. So I stand by what I recommended in my earlier post.

 

[scheibler1]

well in that case he should buy my x850xt for $50 shipped lol. will do the same thing as the 8600gt for much cheaper and still be able to play games if he changes his mind

 

[Cheex]

8400GS or 8500GT

 

[will889]

Originally posted by: scheibler1
well in that case he should buy my x850xt for $50 shipped lol. will do the same thing as the 8600gt for much cheaper and still be able to play games if he changes his mind

Not sure what the OP's specs are CPU wise but the X850XT won't come remotely close in true HD card acceleration to the 34** series, meaning that the CPU will have to do the majority of work, and the X850XT isn't HDCP compliant.