Video Card for New Build

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
olds

olds

Elite Member
Mar 3, 2000
50,120
776
126
My HTPC doesn't support Win 11 and I am not sure I want to run Linux. Most likely not.
Looking at a new build. All it will really be used for is watching Youtube and playing mkv files (Jellyfin) on my 75" TV. Most of those mkv files are 1080 but I want to be able to play 4k files. No gaming on this PC. For playback, I have been using VLC. Current card is a 1070. What video card should I be looking at?
 
Last edited:
GodisanAtheist

GodisanAtheist

Diamond Member
Nov 16, 2006
8,199
9,531
136
olds said:
My HTPC doesn't support Win 11 and I am not sure I want to run Linux. Most likely not.
Looking at a new build. All it will really be used for is watching Youtube and playing mkv files (Jellyfin) on my 75" TV. Most of those mkv files are 1080 but I want to be able to play 4k files. No gaming on this PC. For playback, I have been using VLC. Current card is a 1070. What video card should I be looking at?
Click to expand...

- Realistically speaking you don't even need a videocard.

Most integrated graphics that come with modern CPUs should be able to handle basic playback HTPC work, even at 4K.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DAPUNISHER
In2Photos

In2Photos

Platinum Member
Mar 21, 2007
2,518
2,748
136
Agreed. Recently I replaced my HTPC with a 4K streaming box from ONN. Other than the lack of DTS Audio support it is doing everything I need it to (YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, Jellyfin, and more). And much cheaper than a GPU at only $50.
 
  • Like
Reactions: olds
olds

olds

Elite Member
Mar 3, 2000
50,120
776
126
In2Photos said:
Agreed. Recently I replaced my HTPC with a 4K streaming box from ONN. Other than the lack of DTS Audio support it is doing everything I need it to (YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, Jellyfin, and more). And much cheaper than a GPU at only $50.
Click to expand...
I assume I need DTS to feed my soundbar (Sonos Arc), but I may be wrong.
 
In2Photos

In2Photos

Platinum Member
Mar 21, 2007
2,518
2,748
136
olds said:
I assume I need DTS to feed my soundbar (Sonos Arc), but I may be wrong.
Click to expand...
Most stuff is Dolby Digital. Some movies were DTS. Here's a link to the box.

www.walmart.com

onn 4K Pro Streaming Device, Google TV - Ultra-fast Streaming, Stunning 4K UHD, 32GB Storage, 3GB RAM, Dolby Vision & Atmos, Find My Remote with Backlight, Ethernet Port - Walmart.com

Buy onn 4K Pro Streaming Device, Google TV - Ultra-fast Streaming, Stunning 4K UHD, 32GB Storage, 3GB RAM, Dolby Vision & Atmos, Find My Remote with Backlight, Ethernet Port at Walmart.com
www.walmart.com
 
M

manly

Lifer
Jan 25, 2000
13,197
3,982
136
OP is in California, and our power rates are truly hideous. Everyone has different needs, but I'd hate to run a full-fat PC just to play videos. A HTPC also throws off way more waste heat, which means more AC cooling in the summer.*

Most of us have gladly accepted our new AMD (Ryzen) overlords, but IIRC Quick Sync Video was one of the (few?) reasons to choose an Intel CPU. May only matter if you're transcoding on the fly.

* So the HTPC is an order of magnitude more expensive up-front, and probably an order of magnitude more on power consumption over time. Ouch.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GodisanAtheist
esquared

esquared

Forum Director & Omnipotent Overlord
Forum Director
Oct 8, 2000
24,933
6,033
146
manly said:
OP is in California, and our power rates are truly hideous. Everyone has different needs, but I'd hate to run a full-fat PC just to play videos. A HTPC also throws off way more waste heat, which means more AC cooling in the summer.*

Most of us have gladly accepted our new AMD (Ryzen) overlords, but IIRC Quick Sync Video was one of the (few?) reasons to choose an Intel CPU. May only matter if you're transcoding on the fly.

* So the HTPC is an order of magnitude more expensive up-front, and probably an order of magnitude more on power consumption over time. Ouch.
Click to expand...
He left California for other pastures, a few years back.

I am in 2nd Place Florida

Finally moved to SW Ohio. Now to find a home.
forums.anandtech.com forums.anandtech.com
 
  • Like
Reactions: olds
olds

olds

Elite Member
Mar 3, 2000
50,120
776
126
manly said:
OP is in California, and our power rates are truly hideous. Everyone has different needs, but I'd hate to run a full-fat PC just to play videos. A HTPC also throws off way more waste heat, which means more AC cooling in the summer.*

Most of us have gladly accepted our new AMD (Ryzen) overlords, but IIRC Quick Sync Video was one of the (few?) reasons to choose an Intel CPU. May only matter if you're transcoding on the fly.

* So the HTPC is an order of magnitude more expensive up-front, and probably an order of magnitude more on power consumption over time. Ouch.
Click to expand...
Ohio now.
I just need mobo, cpu, ram and storage. I am reusing my case and psu.
 
DAPUNISHER

DAPUNISHER

Super Moderator CPU Forum Mod and Elite Member
Super Moderator
Aug 22, 2001
31,886
32,096
146
olds said:
This an example or recommendation?
Click to expand...
Rob reviewed it, and feedback is mostly good from owners. My mom-in-law keeps dragging her feet on getting a PC to go with the modern internet finally available out in the sticks where she lives. I am seriously considering this one for her.

 
  • Like
Reactions: Ken g6
Sgraffite

Sgraffite

Member
Jul 4, 2001
194
130
116
I have a GMKTek N150 mini PC. It is decently fast, quiet and low power. Not sure it would handle 4K video without dropping frames though? I don't have a 4K monitor to test with.

They are 12th gen CPUs but only e-cores supposedly. I don't like the naming convention of the N95, N97, N100, N150 as it doesn't make it clear that it is 12th gen, or clear what they are at all really. They are kind of bottom of the barrel for CPUs available for newish mini PCs, so you can get much faster if needed.

I also have an Acemagic F3A with the Ryzen 9 HX 370. Very fast but way overkill for this.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom