Radeon HD 3870 Replacement

[MDE]

I've got a Radeon HD 3870 that I think is dying and I want to replace it. The PC has gone from gaming to HTPC duties, so something quiet (or even passive) would be great, and HDMI with audio passthrough is a must. I'd prefer AMD, but Nvidia is fine too, and I'd like at least as much gaming performance as I have now, but more would be welcomed. Budget is under $100, but lower is better since I have to convince the wife to let me buy it.

System specs:
Core 2 Quad Q6600
6GB DDR2
1.3TB total HDD space
BD-ROM Drive
500W Seasonic PSU
1080P Plasma for monitor

Thanks for the help!

EDIT: Shopping either online, TigerDirect outlet store, or Fry's

 

[Termie]

Anandtech's most recent article on HTPC cards says it all: "If you prefer only AMD cards, the 6570 is the perfect HTPC card."

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4380/discrete-htpc-gpus-shootout/16

As a bonus, it's also a bit faster than your 3870 in gaming.

This model is passively cooled, which might make it the one to get in your case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814161374. Comes to $82 with shipping.

If you decide you're willing to use a card with a fan and spend a bit over $100 before rebate, go with the HD6670 GDDR5. It's significantly faster than your current card. Options: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...d=1&name=GDDR5

Edit: Actually, if you're willing to go non-passive, here's your best deal (after rebate) - the MSI HD5670 GDDR5 for $54 after rebate: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127523. It's actually faster than the HD6570 DDR3 (due to memory type), and it will serve your HTPC needs well.

 

[MDE]

Unfortunately that MSI card has DisplayPort, not HDMI. Passive isn't a must, just would be nice. What I'd really like is something quieter than the 3870 that uses less power and doesn't hog a ton of case space.

 

[videoclone]

Any HD5670 GDD5 or HD6570 GDD5 will work just fine.

 

[RussianSensation]

I'd prefer AMD, but Nvidia is fine too, and I'd like at least as much gaming performance as I have now, but more would be welcomed. Budget is under $100,

Well if you want similar performance, the HD5670 is a good budget card on the AMD side. If you want more performance, then HD5750 or 5770 under $100 (or if you can find an HD6750/6770) are your next best bets.

HD5770 is about $90.

If you want to have the ability to decode Blu-Ray 3D, then you'd need to step up to the HD6750/6770 series on the AMD side.

A passive HD6750 is just a rebadge of the HD5750 with improved UVD revision. I found a version for $112.

Once you go above $100, then you are awfully close to the GTX460 768mb which is the best budget gaming card at that price range. So keep that in mind if you still want to play occasional games.

 

[timma]

you can buy 6670 OC from gigabyte,it's 10cm large slient fan~