Good enough GPU for COD2 but also HDCP?

[bmwme]

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

 

[JimiP]

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.

 

[bmwme]

How about:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814125075

That's above my price but not by too much. How does that compare to an 8600GT?

Oh and what's up with HDMI? Do some cards with HDMI out not carry audio?

 

[JimiP]

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.

 

[happy medium]

I'd take this highly overclockable 8600GTS for 115.00$ shipped !

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...key=y&keyword1=8600gts

 

[JimiP]

Originally posted by: happy medium
I'd take this highly overclockable 8600GTS for 115.00$ shipped !

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...key=y&keyword1=8600gts

That's a good deal but it's slightly above his price range. If only it were under $100 then it would be a steal.

 

[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?

 

[JimiP]

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?

Yeah, there are quite a few good fanless GPU coolers out there.

 

[maevinj]

Might want to check out this fanless 8600gt. I've bought 4 for workstations at work and they seem to work well.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814127293

it's 79 bucks after rebate.

 

[Denithor]

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.