Which video card for a HTPC?

[psykoon]

I recently bought a laptop...and now my old gaming PC has just been collecting dust because I don't really play games anymore. So rather than sell it, I've decided to turn it into a PVR\HTPC. I've got recording and channel changing working via firewire...so now I'm just looking to downgrade my video card for less heat and power.

The main dilemma I've having right now is ATI vs Nvidia. I have a GTX 285 card in the PC currently. If I were to buy a GT 210 or 220 and say a new game comes out that I'd like to play...would I be able to swap the GTX 285 back in without having to worry about reinstalling drivers? If that's possible then I'd probably go with an Nvidia card. Otherwise, I'd probably go with a HD5450 just because they're so cheap and I won't be using any resolutions > 1080p.

Anyone have any suggestions or advice?

Thanks

 

[Emulex]

hd5450 was $9/ar. true bitstream over hdmi. great card. passive. I HATE CATALYST.

so i keep a 210,220 around. both are fine for playing VIDEO but don't expect to route bitstream sound through them. hd5450 is quite a bit less power and heat than the 210/220.

 

[happy medium]

I recently bought a laptop...and now my old gaming PC has just been collecting dust because I don't really play games anymore. So rather than sell it, I've decided to turn it into a PVR\HTPC. I've got recording and channel changing working via firewire...so now I'm just looking to downgrade my video card for less heat and power.

The main dilemma I've having right now is ATI vs Nvidia. I have a GTX 285 card in the PC currently. If I were to buy a GT 210 or 220 and say a new game comes out that I'd like to play...would I be able to swap the GTX 285 back in without having to worry about reinstalling drivers? If that's possible then I'd probably go with an Nvidia card. Otherwise, I'd probably go with a HD5450 just because they're so cheap and I won't be using any resolutions > 1080p.

Anyone have any suggestions or advice?

Thanks

I'd grab a gt220 then.