Graphics card for HTPC wi Blu-ray playback

[ctbrown]

I'm try to choose a graphic card for a future HTPC build. It has to be fanless and heat is an issue because it will go into a small case. The cards in HD-35xx series has gotten good press for their ability to decode HD content at a decent price. So I'm looking at the cards in the link bellow. This card will be put into my Opteron system (see main rig in my signature) which is being converted into an HTPC. And gaming is not a concern for this system.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...2731%2CN82E16814102728

 

[bupkus]

I was checking these out too, for the same reason. The curious thing about those three cards you selected is the extra memory and Composite Out in the 100234L or the faster GDDR3 in the 100235L.
I have yet to buy an HDTV so I don't know which kind of "out" would be required of a video card for an HD input TV.

As for me, I don't currently do any gaming, but I used to and I might do some slower action gaming in the future. I can't twitch-play anymore as my neck has started to cramp up when playing those kinds of games. Goodbye FPSs.

 

[ctbrown]

Originally posted by: bupkus
I have yet to buy an HDTV so I don't know which kind of "out" would be required of a video card for an HD input TV.

I'd use a DVI to HDMI cable to the TV and a SPDIF to my Onkyo receiver. I wouldn't use the composite out.

 

[bupkus]

I get the feeling that although the 100234L has a composite out, all three cards could deliver a composite out if they came with the cabling. Since I already have a composite out cable maybe I should decide based on either twice the GDDR2 or with the GDDR3? The prices are pretty close except for the one with GDDR3 memory. What added purpose would that memory offer?

 

[ctbrown]

Originally posted by: bupkus
What added purpose would that memory offer?

Good question. I was wondering if the added memory would be utilized or just contribute more heat.

 

[bigsnyder]

Probably a waste. I would rather get 256MB of DDR3 vs 512MB DDR2.

 

[bupkus]

Originally posted by: bigsnyder
Probably a waste. I would rather get 256MB of DDR3 vs 512MB DDR2.

Why? Why not just get 256MB GDDR2?

 

[Mango1970]

I have a 42" Sharp Aquos 1080p Tv and an Onkio 635 receiver. My HTPC is an AMD X2 4800+ with an ATI x1950XTX crossfire card if you can imagine. It's not passive by any means but it's virtually silent. I can play ANY movie using PowerDVD ultra... from MVK to BD and HD rips. I have never had an issue.. not one skip and heat was never an issue (although I have a full size Antec Sonata case).

I use a DVi to HDMI for video and then optical from the onboard audio to the Onkio. Works like a dream. Just get the right codecs.

I am about to install an LG combo BD/HD drive in there to round it out.

In other words... you don't need a 38xx card although it would smoke mine. Using PowerDVD it enables Avivo and that really helps in the decoding.

 

[Elfear]

I did a bunch of research on this subject a month or so ago when I was shopping for an HTPC card. The card that everyone over at AVS Forums suggested was the 2600XT or 2600Pro. Nvidia has some cards that would work fine but they don't handle VC1 (I think that was the codec??) as well as the ATI cards. I picked up a 2600Pro for $55 and it has worked perfectly. No slowdown with HD DVDs or BR movies. The 2400 series might work for 720p but most agree that they don't have quite enough juice for smooth playback. I haven't read much on the 3000 series cards so I can't comment on that.

 

[bigsnyder]

@bupkus

The GDDR3 cards generally have more bandwidth. If I decide to do some casual
3D gaming on my HTPC (that is a big IF), then the extra bandwidth will come in handy.

 

[Binky]

Originally posted by: ctbrown
I'd use a DVI to HDMI cable to the TV and a SPDIF to my Onkyo receiver. I wouldn't use the composite out.

You should avoid the DVI-HDMI cable. The AMD 2x00 and 3xxx series cards can do the audio decoding without the help of a sound card. This is most likely not possible with the DVI-HDMI cable. For the most trouble-free and future proof setup, get a card that has native HDMI out or comes with a DVI-HDMI adaptor in the box.

This suggestion applies even if you do not plan to pipe the sound via HDMI right now.

 

[ctbrown]

Originally posted by: Binky

Originally posted by: ctbrown
I'd use a DVI to HDMI cable to the TV and a SPDIF to my Onkyo receiver. I wouldn't use the composite out.

You should avoid the DVI-HDMI cable. The AMD 2x00 and 3xxx series cards can do the audio decoding without the help of a sound card. This is most likely not possible with the DVI-HDMI cable. For the most trouble-free and future proof setup, get a card that has native HDMI out or comes with a DVI-HDMI adaptor in the box.

This suggestion applies even if you do not plan to pipe the sound via HDMI right now.

According to the Sapphire website:

"HDMI output support
* Supports all display resolutions up to 1920x10801
* Integrated HD audio controller with up to 2 channel 48 kHz stereo or multichannel(5.1) AC3 enabling a plug-and-play cable-less audio solution"

So I'll assume that there must be some sort of HDMI adapter for both audio and video. Although, my Onkyo receiver does not have HDMI pass-through. So either I keep the sound and video on separate cables or feed the HDMI directly to the TV and connect the TV's SPDIF out to my receiver.