Need a card for HTPC...cheap yet powerfull needed.

[forcemac101]

I am building a HTPC, but I am building it super cheap as possible. I need a video card that has DVI/VGA/TV out, DX9, and have enought power to run games at 1280x720p or lower at around 30 fps.

I am thinking about either a 9800se or a 9600se, would either of these be alright?

 

[Matthias99]

A 9800SE would be far better than a 9600SE; the 9800SE is roughly equivalent to a 9600Pro/9600XT. Of course, you might as well just buy a 9600Pro, then, unless you intend to try softmodding the 9800SE, or you found a really good price on it.

Frankly, I would recommend a true 9800Pro for ~$200 from Newegg. It's about 30-50% faster than any of those cards.

 

[forcemac101]

looking for sub-$75 range

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: forcemac101
looking for sub-$75 range

Better look in fantasyland then brudda

 

[ponyo]

Originally posted by: forcemac101
looking for sub-$75 range

You might want to look for used 9600 Pro then. You'll have hard time finding one at that price I think. Ti4200 could work but it's not DX 9 card.

 

[Matthias99]

If you can find a 9800SE in that price range, jump on it. But good luck. You can find *new* 9600 non-pros (not the SE; avoid the SE like the plague) for about $100, so maybe a used 9600 would be around there...

For <$75, I recommend just picking up a GF4MX with TV-out (~$30). It doesn't support DX9, but it will work for light gaming. A used Ti4200 could also be found in that price range, and maybe even a RADEON 8500 (which might offer better picture quality for TV-out).

 

[ForceCalibur]

Most TI4200s, many Radeon 9800s are very loud (HSF) So you'll need to replace the stock one, or you should just go for one that uses a fanless heatsink.
Also, like mentioned, avoid the 9600se like the plague. It performs worse than the Geforce 4 MX440. (which costs HALF the 9600ses price)

 

[forcemac101]

Ideally, I need something in the 9500/9600/9700/9800 families, to use the HDTV adapter from ATI. Maybe I will spring for an x800 and put my old 9800np in it.....thanks all.

 

[Todd33]

Don't get a 9600se, garbage. The 9600 non-pro is a good choice and it is passivly cooled, so no noise. I use it in my HTPC.

 

[sodcha0s]

Originally posted by: Todd33
Don't get a 9600se, garbage. The 9600 non-pro is a good choice and it is passivly cooled, so no noise. I use it in my HTPC.

No DVI though, and is in the $150-$200 range.

 

[kylebisme]

Originally posted by: Matthias99
For <$75, I recommend just picking up a GF4MX with TV-out (~$30). It doesn't support DX9, but it will work for light gaming. .

it doesn't even support dx8, better off looking for a geforce3 or 8500le.

 

[Todd33]

Originally posted by: sodcha0s

Originally posted by: Todd33
Don't get a 9600se, garbage. The 9600 non-pro is a good choice and it is passivly cooled, so no noise. I use it in my HTPC.

No DVI though, and is in the $150-$200 range.

Huh? It has DVI, S-video and VGA and was $97.

 

[ForceCalibur]

You can also buy it on ebay for like 60 dollars.

 

[sodcha0s]

Originally posted by: Todd33

Originally posted by: sodcha0s

Originally posted by: Todd33
Don't get a 9600se, garbage. The 9600 non-pro is a good choice and it is passivly cooled, so no noise. I use it in my HTPC.

No DVI though, and is in the $150-$200 range.

Huh? It has DVI, S-video and VGA and was $97.

Oops, my mistake. Since he said HTPC I had him pegged for an AIW card. The 9600AIW does not have DVI and costs $150-$200.

BTW forcemac101, if you're going to build a REAL HTPC, you should get an AIW or at least an add-on TV card. Otherwise you'll just have a regular old PC hooked up to a TV.

 

[forcemac101]

I got a Leadtek TV tuner

I'll get a PVr 250 down the road....this is an experimental HTPC.

 

[Todd33]

Most people use the WinTV 250s, I'm looking for a second one now for duel tuners.

 

[Thor86]

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER

Originally posted by: forcemac101
looking for sub-$75 range

Better look in fantasyland then brudda

LOL, true, true.