Video Card - Dual Purpose - Gaming & HTPC?

[hondaf17]

As I acquire all my parts for my custom rig I'm building, I'm running into questions that I didn't anticipate. I'm building my computer primarily for gaming - specifically the new GR:AW that is coming out May 5th. Right now I've got picked out an Athlon 62 X2 4200+ paired with an Epox NP9+Ultra Mobo. Come June/July (when I've got more money), I'll be purchasing a 37'' Widescreen 1080p capabale Widescreen HDTV to use as my monitor and hook up to my computer for gaming. Here are a couple of choices of video cards:

X1800XT 512 MB GDDR3 if I don't care immediately about HTPC, for $309.

X1800XL All in Wonder 256 MB GDDR3 if I care about HTPC and am planning for my future widescreen HDTV upgrade and HTPC use.

Question is this: Which card makes the most sense to buy right now? Also, if I buy the All in Wonder, do I also need to buy another video card to turn my PC into a TIVO and record programs? If so, I'd need to get a mobo with another PCIe slot, yes? Another question, would the 512 MB GDDR3 video card be significantly better for gaming than the All in Wonder? One more final question, if I get the X1800XT for gaming, then were to get another video card to use for my HTPC functions, which video card would you suggest, keeping in mind that my mobo only has one PCIe slot (which would continue to be occupied by X1800XT)?

Thanks a lot for the help and sorry for my long-winded question, but I wanted to lay out the scenario and my thoughts.

 

[1Dark1Sharigan1]

Originally posted by: hondaf17
Question is this: Which card makes the most sense to buy right now? Also, if I buy the All in Wonder, do I also need to buy another video card to turn my PC into a TIVO and record programs? If so, I'd need to get a mobo with another PCIe slot, yes? Another question, would the 512 MB GDDR3 video card be significantly better for gaming than the All in Wonder? One more final question, if I get the X1800XT for gaming, then were to get another video card to use for my HTPC functions, which video card would you suggest, keeping in mind that my mobo only has one PCIe slot (which would continue to be occupied by X1800XT)?

Thanks a lot for the help and sorry for my long-winded question, but I wanted to lay out the scenario and my thoughts.

I would say go with the X1800XT as it will be a siginificant increase in performance over the X1800XL since your primary purpose is gaming. You will save some money with the AIW since it will come with a built in TV tuner but you can get something such as the ATI HDTV Wonder, which probably still goes for over $100 (though it's the better choice), or the AverMedia AVerTVHD MCE A180 HDTV tuner which can be found at Newegg for $75.

 

[hondaf17]

Originally posted by: 1Dark1Sharigan1


I would say go with the X1800XT as it will be a siginificant increase in performance over the X1800XL since your primary purpose is gaming. You will save some money with the AIW since it will come with a built in TV tuner but you can get something such as the ATI HDTV Wonder, which probably still goes for over $100 (though it's the better choice), or the AverMedia AVerTVHD MCE A180 HDTV tuner which can be found at Newegg for $75.

Ok, the ATI card you recommended, is that PCI, PCIe, or AGP? Because the mobo I'm getting only has one PCIe slot and no AGP slots. So, question is, can I get a high quality HDTV Tuner card (for watching and recording HDTV) that is PCI format, at a later date in time? If so, could someone please link a suggestion for me? Thanks a lot.

 

[morgash]

the x1800xt is PCI-e only. and yes HDTV cards for PCI can be easily found at any major online retailer. hell u could probably even find one at a local store as far as a reccomendation i will leave that to the HTPC guys being that i use all my computers for games hehe. BTW i would recommend thinking about one of the 7900 series cards instead as they are gonna produce a LOT less heat than the xt. if heat isnt an issue then go for the xt but if it is the 7900 is gonna be ur best bet(GT preferrably)

 

[pctwo]

yeah, unless that AIW can tune digital (as opposed to just analog) over the air channels, don't buy it, b/c once you get your HDTV, you will want HD.