Help Choosing a Video Card - Please

[TannerJ]

Hi everyone, hoping for a quick and dirty answer since I'm very confused with what the right choice is for me. I'm building an HTPC and I read everything from "use the integrated option on the mobo" to "the $400 top of the line model is absolutely what you need".

All I need the HTPC to do is play ripped DVD's (no blu-ray or HD DVD needed yet) to the TV from the hdd. My current TV is just a basic tube tv that has s-video and component inputs but I'll be upgrading to a 1080p set in the near future so it needs to have outputs suitable for that as well. No tv capture needed - my PVR from the cable company works just fine for me and the fiance (and changing this would not be good with the lady).

I'm not too familiar with dvd scaling and de/interlacing requirements and options but I'd like the HTPC to be able to do this without problem as well.

I have ZERO preference - I just want it to WORK without problems. If you could throw some suggestions to me for DVD playback and scaling that would be very, very, very appreciated. No gaming (or very little) intended - I'll build a new rig for that later.

- Jason

 

[ascarytiger]

I would just get any video card that supports HDCP so you can eventually play blu-ray HD-dvd stuff. If you aren't doing ANY gaming, just about any HDCP card should do. If you might game in the future, or at least a little bit, then perhaps something like the 8800 GTS 320mb version, it only runs about $299 right now.

 

[imported_blacken]

A 7900GS or GT should do what you want for now (very well) imo. Talking 150 - 225 dollar price range, give or take. Though like tiger said; a 8800GTS 320 is 300$ on the button, offering much more performance and longevity.

When I think of on-board video, libraries, offices, and public computer use come to mind. If you do more than play music and use Internet Explorer, you have no reason .not. to buy a seperate GPU - one is better off running a 6200LE than any current OB-Video.

 

[happy medium]

Originally posted by: blacken
A 7900GS or GT should do what you want for now (very well) imo. Talking 150 - 225 dollar price range, give or take. Though like tiger said; a 8800GTS 320 is 300$ on the button, offering much more performance and longevity.

When I think of on-board video, libraries, offices, and public computer use come to mind. If you do more than play music and use Internet Explorer, you have no reason .not. to buy a seperate GPU - one is better off running a 6200LE than any current OB-Video.

Heres a Silent 7950gt HDCP card for 209.00$

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=321117

 

[BernardP]

As gaming is not a consideration, you could easily go with this less power-hungry and less expensive

MSI low-profile HDMI HDCP 7600GS