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Good enough GPU for COD2 but also HDCP?

B

bmwme

Senior member
I used to have a grasp on all this. I used to be able to make up my own mind...I lost it! 🙂

So I'm looking to buy (new or used) a pci-e video card for my new dual core system. I'm running an e2080 on a P35 board with 2gb of ddr2. Budget system yes, but it's all I can afford. So I need help.

I want to be able to play COD2, and eventually this card will get put in a HTPC so I want it to be HDCP and HDMI out (with audio) would be GREAT! The big problem, I can't afford much so the cheaper the better, but I want to stay under ~$90.
Thanks
 
HD2600XT? I believe you can find a few of those under $100. They don't have the best gaming performance but they will play COD2 and they are very good for media centers. There's just not a whole lot of options for under $100 anymore, at least that I would personally buy. If it was possibly to spend a some more, I highly recommend ATI's HD3850. They are great performers and you can find them for around $170-ish.
 
I know that the 8600GTS performs better in games by a small margin. But the HD2600XT are better for HTPC's. I'm sorry but I'm not sure about the HDMI bit.

I think it will either perform as well as or maybe even better than the 8600GT. At least on-par.
 
Well I PMed him and asked if he'd take $100.

A fanless card would be really great too since this will go into a HTPC eventually. There must be some good aftermarket fanless HS for GPUs right?
 
Originally posted by: bmwme
Well I PMed him and asked if he'd take $100.

A fanless card would be really great too since this will go into a HTPC eventually. There must be some good aftermarket fanless HS for GPUs right?
Click to expand...

Yeah, there are quite a few good fanless GPU coolers out there.
 
GeCube 2600XT $95 after MIR

Has a nice dual-slot cooler that exhausts hot air out of the case, which is ideal for HTPC use (rest of system stays cooler so case fans can run slower/quieter). Slight factory OC and uses GDDR4 for a little better memory bandwidth.

Still not really a gaming card but not bad for the price.

Now, if only you could swing $70 more...

Powercolor 3850 $165 after MIR

This one would give you about 2-3x the performance of the 2600 or 8600 series cards.
 
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