View Full Version : need some quick advice
evilchris
12-13-07, 03:04 AM
I am really not into video cards anymore, at all. Nor HTPC's.
What would you suggest for an HTPC, down to 1 of 2 cards:
ATI 3870
NV 8800GT
ATI does both VC1 and h.264, while NV cannot do VC1 offload yet. Both cards seem similar in gaming performance, while ATI has always been better at "multimedia" crap which an HTPC has to excel at. Any opinions? DVI to HDMI will be the connection method to a 70" RPTV.
crainger
12-13-07, 03:14 AM
I've found NV cards a lot easier to configure when using DVI to HDMI, especially when it comes to compensating for overscan, but as you said. The ATi cards are strong when it comes to multimedia performance. Which may or may not be a problem depending on the CPU you are using.
evilchris
12-13-07, 03:16 AM
I've found NV cards a lot easier to configure when using DVI to HDMI, especially when it comes to compensating for overscan, but as you said. The ATi cards are strong when it comes to multimedia performance. Which may or may not be a problem depending on the CPU you are using.
C2D E6850.
Do NV cards output DTS/DD 5.1 out the HDMI connector like the ATIs do?
crainger
12-13-07, 03:18 AM
C2D E6850.
Do NV cards output DTS/DD 5.1 out the HDMI connector like the ATIs do?
As far as I know there are no NV cards that can do that.
I'm inclined to agree with mullet. ATI probably suits best.
C2D E6850.
Do NV cards output DTS/DD 5.1 out the HDMI connector like the ATIs do?
http://www.guru3d.com/article/Videocards/472/3
Your series 3000 card can directly output audio over HDMI – removing the need of a separate sound card over your HDMI connector. Where it'll output that sound in 16-bit PCM Stereo sound or AC3 5.1 compressed multi-channel audiostreams as Dolby Digital and DTS. A feature, especially for those who use their PC as a HTPC and are connecting HDMI towards a HDMI receiver.
So with the Series 2000/3000 you'll receive a DVI-to HDMI adapter which, and make no mistake here, will carry sound over HDMI. That's unlike current DVI-HDMI adapters and cables which do not carry sound. Fantastic if you are watching a Blu-ray movie, simply connect HDMI towards your HDTV for PCM sound, or connect it through a TrueHD/Dolby HD receiver and get that sound lovin' going on through that receiver of yours. All with one simple cable.
evilchris
12-13-07, 03:24 AM
Cool. So its pulling the sound off the bus? I use my motherboards mixer software as normal? ( Intel P35 )
The sound comes directly from the GPU itself through HDMI. I think if you got a sound card you could do what ever you wanted through a receiver or what ever you have.
Obviously the entire HD 3000 series of cards will offer HDMI connectivity with the help of a DVI adapter or native with a HDMI connector integrated into the card, all cards fully support the DRM cancer called HDCP. Unlike most current HDMI implementations on PCIe graphics cards, this HDMI solution also incorporates audio functionality into the GPU.
evilchris
12-13-07, 03:39 AM
ATI card is hard to find in stock anywhere. I see nothing has changed!
evilchris
12-13-07, 03:44 AM
The last ATI card I had was a 9800 Pro. After that I went 6800 Ultra -> 6600GT -> 7600GT. Haven't PC gamed in years.
This thing needs to be quiet and perfect with video/desktop @ 1080. Gaming performance is a just a bonus.
www.mwave.com
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=AA72486
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=AA72492
evilchris
12-13-07, 03:46 AM
Thanks for the link. Does brand matter? BTW I see they're price gouging. haha
evilchris
12-13-07, 03:47 AM
BTW here is what I threw together for this little project:
E6850
Intel DP35DP
4GB DDR-800
Raptor 150GB
2x Hitachi 1TB's
Vista Ultimate
KICKASS. BTW both brands are fine.
evilchris
12-13-07, 03:52 AM
Oh and this ugly ass case:
http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=15900
I am killing the blue lights. I picked it because of the huge silent fan.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163083 :D
the black is out of stock. :(
http://www.nvnews.net/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=29393&stc=1&d=1197533083
evilchris
12-13-07, 03:46 PM
I ordered a Diamond 3870. I'll let you know how I like it.
Zelda_fan
12-14-07, 02:49 AM
C2D E6850.
Do NV cards output DTS/DD 5.1 out the HDMI connector like the ATIs do?
with that CPU you will have zero problems playing any 1080p VC-1 content. I personally have a C2D cpu clocked at 3GHZ and an 8800GT, and my CPU usage is around 20% while playing 1080p videos from this website:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/musicandvideo/hdvideo/contentshowcase.aspx
Zelda_fan
12-14-07, 02:53 AM
This thing needs to be quiet and perfect with video/desktop @ 1080. Gaming performance is a just a bonus.
You know I built a rig with that exact same criteria about 6 months ago.
I'll take some pics of it and post them later. Everything is watercooled. The only moving parts are the pump (virtually silent. rated at around 2db), the Hard Drives (have them suspended in sewing elactic so they make practically no noise), the PSU (a corsair 620HX - virtually silent), and a small fan over the memory (rated at around 12db). Anything below 20db can't be heard over the background noise in a silent room, and I can never hear the thing running.
Chris, how is that thing doing man? And take some pics.
evilchris
12-20-07, 07:39 PM
Working perfectly. ATI drivers, at least for HTPC's, are flawless. I get DD and DTS 5.1 out HDMI as promised, and the 1920x1080 works perfectly on my Sony TV. It's dialed in. I havent done much yet, just getting it all setup.
I am using a Logitech DiNovo Edge keyboard, which I think is excellent for this setup. Ultra slim, and fits perfectly in the lap.
Nice man!! I am glad it all worked out, now I might get that card I want to do the same.
Zelda_fan
12-21-07, 11:38 AM
I am using a Logitech DiNovo Edge keyboard, which I think is excellent for this setup. Ultra slim, and fits perfectly in the lap.
Been eyeing that keyboard for a while. Do you like it?
Nice looking keyboard.
Bluetooth is definetly the way to go. I use the Microsoft Bluetooth Combo on my HTPC.
evilchris
12-21-07, 02:02 PM
Been eyeing that keyboard for a while. Do you like it?
It's ****ing awesome man. Tactile response is perfect, the integrated mouse is useable for a HTPC ( not gaming obviously ), and it just looks really nice. It definitely feels like a $200 keyboard. I got it for 166 on Amazon. It doesn't have a numpad or any extra things really, it's suited for lap use on a HTPC. It has magnification buttons, MC launch button, the things you need. You won't believe how thin it is.
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/xoxide/logitech-dinovo-edge-2.jpg
http://www.techsmec.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/dinovo_edge.jpg
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