HDMI vs VGA out of a 4870 or 8800GTS 512

[Spike]

I just purchased a cheap 32" Dynex LCD (same panel as the envision costo carries) and hooked my HTPC to it. I am running a e6550 at stock, 2gb ram, and just now received my Sapphire 4870. After a few days of running it via VGA I'm thinking that the 4870 is a tad bit wasted powering such a low res. I'm thinking about swapping cards with my 8800GTS 512 which runs a little cooler and quieter than the 4870.

If I swap cards can I use the DVI - HDMI adapter with the 8800GTS? And if so, do I really need to or is there no difference when displaying at 1366x768? I do plan on getting an LG blu-ray/hddvd player at some point for the HTPC so should I use the HDMI then or just use that software that defeats the copy protection and continue using VGA?

I will be using the setup for watching movies, playing music, and doing some gaming when we have friends over for a lanparty. Currently nosie is not really an issue since the card is relativly quiet I'm just worried about the 80c+ load temps playing an old game like CS:S, and thats with the fan speed set to 30%. My Antec P180 is better setup to deal with the heat produced from a card like this where as the 8800GTS 512 runs a little cooler at quiter fan speeds...

Thanks for your help!

 

[Boobs McGee]

It really depends on your display. I have a 60'' Sony and it it pretty funky if I run a computer over the VGA cable. Basically it doesn't let you use the whole screen, you are stuck with black borders around your actual screen area. It sounds like you only have one HDMI port on your display? If so, I would say if it looks good with VGA, then leave it so you still have the HDMI port open when you get a BD player.

 

[SSChevy2001]

@Spike - I'm using the DVI now on the 8800GTS 512 and it completely supports DVI-HDCP. I'm currently just using XBOX HD-DVD Player with SPDIF out and the movies play great. With an adapter you'll be fine except no sound over the HDMI, you'll have to use SPDIF, mini-headset, or RCA for sound.

 

[designerfx]

Dvi to HDMI adapters typically work cross-components, however if I remember right there are two types. One is digital and one is analog I believe. As far as the heat of your 4870, have you looked into alternate options? I've heard the stock cooler is crap and that replacing it makes a diff of 15 celsius or so most of the time.

http://www.overclockersclub.co...s/sapphire_4870/16.htm

Also, like Boobs says, I've had that problem on a sony Wega over HDMI even. Meanwhile, if you're worried about the HDMI port availability you can get an HDMI switch for like...35 bucks. http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=206231907 is one. Supermediastore.com has one for 20ish.

Also, 2 gigs for gaming? Maybe you want to add a gig somewhere too...just a suggestion.

 

[BassBomb]

VGA typically has a resoluition limit on TV's

HDMI->DVI is the way to go unless your Video card has HDMI-HDMI output

Audio is preference, 4xxx can send out audio over HDMI so you can use that if you like.

I use DVI->HDMI from my 7900GS + Coax Digital from Audigy2 to reciever