Requesting a recommendation for a HDMI card

[merlocka]

Wow. First sign of "getting old" in the PC world is not knowing exactly what video card to buy at a given instance. So I humbly ask for suggestions...

I'm currently running an old Dell 5100 P4 631 with ATI x800 video card, using WinXP MCE as our "family" PC. It works great, and I don't want to overhaul it (until we move and I put together a dedicated HTPC home theater setup).

In the meantime, I'd like to run HDMI through the wall from the PC to my Plasma, so we can watch slideshows and home videos straight from the PC.

I did a few searches, but I'm not totally clear as to which video cards can pass audio through the HDMI connector. It sounds like some require a jumper to the motherboard (which might not be available on my Dell... oops shame on me).

The display is a Panasonic 37" EDTV, so great HD acceleration isn't a huge benefit (but would be nice)

So, can anyone Newegg link me a decent card which would fit these needs?

- Fairly quiet.
- At least as fast as an x800 on World of Warcraft (nVidia or ATI is a don't care for me)
- Can output video + audio through HDMI natively (without any need for a motherboard connector).
- Sub $100 would be ideal.

TIA for any suggestions.

 

[s44]

2600pro may be a touch slower than your current x800, but $60AR. Note that you have to select the combo deal to get the (free with deal) HDMI dongle. Edit: also a passive one for $55AR, with a free copy of the Witcher.

If you can do a dual-slot card, there's a 2600xt for $75AR including a free copy of the Witcher.

Single-slot 2600xt for $73AR, crappy cooler.

Palit 2600xt for $95, no rebate.

Or look through the other 2600xt models for one you like -- make sure it either has the HDMI connector built in (as the Palit) or comes with a HDMI dongle.

 

[Engineer]

Originally posted by: s44
2600pro may be a touch slower than your current x800, but $60AR. Note that you have to select the combo deal to get the (free with deal) HDMI dongle. Edit: also a passive one for $55AR, with a free copy of the Witcher.

If you can do a dual-slot card, there's a 2600xt for $75AR including a free copy of the Witcher.

Single-slot 2600xt for $73AR, crappy cooler.

Palit 2600xt for $95, no rebate.

Or look through the other 2600xt models for one you like -- make sure it either has the HDMI connector built in (as the Palit) or comes with a HDMI dongle.

HD2600Pro 512Meg for $39.99 after rebate ($25.00) + shipping from the Egg.

Edit: Does not ship with HDMI dongle.

 

[merlocka]

Originally posted by: s44

Palit 2600xt for $95, no rebate.

I like this one. Never heard of Palit before, hope the cooler is good. I have a Zahlman on my x800, I suppose I could use that just in case.

Thanks!