need an inexpensive PCI-E videocard for an HTPC

[NTB]

Recently inherited an AMD Sempron-based Compaq from my grandfather, who decided he didn't need it any more. I intend on using it as an HTPC, and to that end have already added more RAM. I will also have another hard drive for it once the parts for my own new PC come in. I would like to replace the onboard video too, but I'm not sure what to get. This thing won't be running any high-end PC games obviously, but I will be using it for emulators - stuff like EPSXE. That particular emulator, if I remember correctly, can use 3D acceleration, and is optimized for ATI cards. Does it make any difference which card I get? Anybody have any suggestions?

EDIT: if it makes any difference, for the time being this will be hooked up to an LCD HDTV capable of 720p resolution; I'm looking at replacing that with a 1080p LCD or plasma by the end of the year.

Nathan

 

[ViRGE]

I'd go with a 8500GT. It's fast enough considering you won't be playing high-end games, and it offers full H.264 video decoding acceleration. Of course at around $80, we could certainly argue how cheap it actually is.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

I'd recommend this 7600GS as #1 it has every video out option you'll need #2 it will run every EMU up to the PS2 and XBOX extremely well #3 it's silent and #4 it uses very little power

If you want HDCP decoding get this 7600GS . Just cause it's a LP card doesn't mean it's not good. I got one for a friend and it did 540/900 with stock cooling and was still decently quiet.