HTPC Video card recommendation needed...

[corwin]

I am wanting some help picking the best option available for my HTPC. I want to use the HDMI interface including 7.1 audio (I know alot of the cards only push 2 channel sound). I know you guys are the best and brightest so throw out some insight please. I prefer nVidia (had many issues with ATI in the past) but might be willing to give them a shot again.

 

[angry hampster]

This may work, but I'm frankly not sure how the audio works on it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814260074

This requires SPDIF, but should work just fine:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814127301

 

[corwin]

I have heard the ATI cards have an onboard audio controller, but not sure on quality or what levels or surround it is capable of.....anyone been using them or have first hand knowledge of any in use?

 

[heyheybooboo]

ATI discrete cards push 5.1 audio through hdmi

 

[bigsnyder]

I am not sure the HD3000 series push 5.1, but the new 4000 series is suppose to. If the HD3000s do, then I won't wait for the new cards.

 

[solog]

Originally posted by: bigsnyder
I am not sure the HD3000 series push 5.1, but the new 4000 series is suppose to. If the HD3000s do, then I won't wait for the new cards.

Do you mean "push 7.1"?

yea, I think the ATI cards only do 5.1 (could be wrong). I assume the OP is talking about the best audio formats (DolbyTrueHD and DTS Master Audio). I think the only known solution is some Asus card that is coming out and possibly Intel G35 based motherboards and Nvidia 8200 based motherboards.

Check out avsforum

sample thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb...highlight=g35+lossless

 

[stepone]

All ATI 3 series cards output 2.0 pcm or 5.1 AC3 from their onboard audio controller via hdmi.

The new ATI 4 series which launches in a week will output 7.1 audio over hdmi & have a new improved HD video decoder so this will probably be your best bet.
However although the 4850 will meet your requirements it's not really an ideal HTPC card as it's more geared towards gaming, runs quite hot & costs $200. However if you have a 400+ watt psu & also game then that may be ok with you.

If you can wait a couple of months then the 4650 should be available & will likely be a more suitable HTPC card.