Gaming computer connections to HD LCD TV

[boomerang]

I've got a request to price out a system for a guy that likes to game. He's got a 32" TV he's using for a computer monitor. His current computer which I put together for him about 5 years ago is connected to it utilizing the RGB connector on the TV.

The TV has got HDMI inputs. Is that the best way to do the connection? What about the audio? Video card suggestions would be welcome.

I've been putting systems together for a dozen years, but this is uncharted territory for me.

The games he wants to play are Medal of Honor and Call of Duty. I'm not a gamer, but I'm thinking these are older games that don't require a lot of horsepower. I can research this.

 

[mpilchfamily]

HDMI or RGB will be fine either way. As for sound you'll have to get 1/8" headphone jack to RCA cables to take the sound ouot from the PC to the sound system. If your using teh stock speakers in the TV you'll be better off with a decent set of PC speakers.

 

[boomerang]

HDMI or RGB will be fine either way. As for sound you'll have to get 1/8" headphone jack to RCA cables to take the sound ouot from the PC to the sound system. If your using teh stock speakers in the TV you'll be better off with a decent set of PC speakers.

I saw a video card at Newegg that had an HDMI output (among others) and an SPDIF cable bundled with it. I got the impression that the cable would connect between the motherboard and the video card and would allow audio to be transmitted over the HDMI cable. I've assumed all of that. I did not research it. Is this a possibility? The video card was very expensive and way more card than he needs.

I hear you on the speakers (pun intended). I need to talk him into using something other than the TV speakers. Cost is a big factor in this potential build though.

 

[mpilchfamily]

Depends on the card. Not all HDMI cards support audio but most new ones do.

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

Use HDMI. ATI cards have a sound card built in while Nvidia cards require a SPDIF cable from the motherboard to the video card.