Recommend me a good single slot cooler Vid Card for my HTPC!

[RollWave]

I've been out of the computer business in a while and my HTPC thats running a X2+ 4400+ and 7900GTX needs a video card update. Right now its connected to my TV and a dell 24" LCD and it doesnt seem to handle the job well. The screens blank out every once in a while and sometimes I see random flashing pixel lines. I'm guessing this 7900 isnt going to last too long or just isnt liking its new job...(Just added the dell monitor to this system).

What would you guys recommend?

 

[Termie]

The nVidia GT240 GDDR5. Cheap ($66 AR/FS), fast enough (~1.5x faster than your 7900GTX), and low power (6 watts at idle):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814133306

Others may vote for the 5670, which is about $9 more after rebate, and just slightly faster: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102870. For your purposes, I'd save the money and buy the GT240.

 

[RollWave]

how do they compare to cards like the 5670?

 

[Termie]

how do they compare to cards like the 5670?

This review compares the two: http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/axle-radeon-hd5670-1gb.html

 

[RollWave]

But in the end a 9800 GT will be faster than all of them? Man have I been out of the game for tooooo long...

 

[Termie]

But in the end a 9800 GT will be faster than all of them? Man have I been out of the game for tooooo long...

Just slightly, but it's not optimal for HTPC use.

BTW, most 5670s are not single-slot. This one is but it's quite a bit more than the GT240: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150466. Same goes for the 9800gt. Here's one of the few single-slot models: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143187

 

[RollWave]

Yeah I think the 9800 might fry my little lanbox lite.

 

[tincart]

Sapphire has a 5670 with passive cooling. Generally faster than a 240 and slightly behind a 9800 GT. The 5670 costs more, but the passive cooling might be a benefit for your setup.

Does anyone know of any passively cooled 240's available?

 

[MentalIlness]

Sapphire has a 5670 with passive cooling. Generally faster than a 240 and slightly behind a 9800 GT. The 5670 costs more, but the passive cooling might be a benefit for your setup.

Does anyone know of any passively cooled 240's available?

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16814500138

 

[tincart]

There we go. Either a passive 240 or a passive 5670 are probably the best choice, depending on the price.

 

[Termie]

IMO, a more expensive passive card is not the way to go for a lanbox, and won't be single slot. He can probably use the extra airflow, and these cards aren't that loud.

 

[RollWave]

IMO, a more expensive passive card is not the way to go for a lanbox, and won't be single slot. He can probably use the extra airflow, and these cards aren't that loud.

You may be right.

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...-045-_-Product

that is the case I'm running.

 

[Joseph F]

I'd say go with a 5670 'cause they have good features for a HTPC and they're not too power-hungry.

 

[RollWave]

Mind expounding on said features?

 

[Nebor]

Mind expounding on said features?

Probably the bit-perfect hdmi output.

 

[RollWave]

Probably the bit-perfect hdmi output.

Sorry but I'm new to the HTPC scene. Only reason I have one is because I had old components and figured why not buy a miniMOBO and make a small lanbox for my TV.

Why is the ATI's HDMI that much better than NVidia?

I know that using my HDMI adapter on my 7900GT did not work. Couldnt see all the screen.

 

[RollWave]

IMO, a more expensive passive card is not the way to go for a lanbox, and won't be single slot. He can probably use the extra airflow, and these cards aren't that loud.

Thanks for the advice Termie, got the GT240 you linked (sent in the rebate today actually) and its working wonderfully. Nice Extended desktop running on my HDTV and full resolution on my dell monitor...no wonky BS like the 7900GT gave me.

 

[Termie]

Thanks for the advice Termie, got the GT240 you linked (sent in the rebate today actually) and its working wonderfully. Nice Extended desktop running on my HDTV and full resolution on my dell monitor...no wonky BS like the 7900GT gave me.

Great to hear that it all worked out.