Help me choose a card for my HTPC!

01-17-09, 07:29 PM

So I want to turn my HTPC into a gaming capable HTPC. I am currently using an onboard gpu that just wont cut it. I want a single card solution that will be able to pass audio through HDMI aswell as video. If it can't then it's no good for me...

I was thinking about getting the 4870 1GB or a GTX 260 but I don't know the performance they will provide at 1080p. Im not an AA ***** so as long as it can play most games smoothly, I would be happy. I don't want to spend more then $250 and I don't care for multiple card support.

Do you all think I could find a GTX 280 at that price? Lowest I found new was $300 or used for $275.

Xion X2 · 01-17-09, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by |MaguS|

So I want to turn my HTPC into a gaming capable HTPC. I am currently using an onboard gpu that just wont cut it. I want a single card solution that will be able to pass audio through HDMI aswell as video. If it can't then it's no good for me...

I was thinking about getting the 4870 1GB or a GTX 260 but I don't know the performance they will provide at 1080p. Im not an AA ***** so as long as it can play most games smoothly, I would be happy. I don't want to spend more then $250 and I don't care for multiple card support.

Do you all think I could find a GTX 280 at that price? Lowest I found new was $300 or used for $275.

My 260 works great as a blu-ray equipped HTPC. Using PowerDVD 8. I'm using a sound card, though, so I can't speak for the HDMI audio.

01-17-09, 09:41 PM

Don't have any interest in playing Blu-Ray on my HTPC since I have a PS3.

Blacklash · 01-18-09, 11:36 PM

I like this HD 4870 1Gb for 230usd or 205usd with rebate:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127400

It has a good cooler on it too.

Toss3 · 01-19-09, 12:30 AM

I'd get a GTX 260 if you're gonna use it for a HTPC.

Drivers are better and it supports Ycbcr over hdmi.

boredgunner · 01-19-09, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blacklash

I like this HD 4870 1Gb for 230usd or 205usd with rebate:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127400

It has a good cooler on it too.

The GTX 260 (CORE 216) is a better choice over the 4870 since it wins in most benchmarks, uses less power, and it runs cooler.

01-17-09, 07:29 PM	#1
\|MaguS\| Guest Posts: n/a	Help me choose a card for my HTPC! So I want to turn my HTPC into a gaming capable HTPC. I am currently using an onboard gpu that just wont cut it. I want a single card solution that will be able to pass audio through HDMI aswell as video. If it can't then it's no good for me... I was thinking about getting the 4870 1GB or a GTX 260 but I don't know the performance they will provide at 1080p. Im not an AA ***** so as long as it can play most games smoothly, I would be happy. I don't want to spend more then $250 and I don't care for multiple card support. Do you all think I could find a GTX 280 at that price? Lowest I found new was $300 or used for $275.

01-17-09, 09:41 PM	#3
\|MaguS\| Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Help me choose a card for my HTPC! Don't have any interest in playing Blu-Ray on my HTPC since I have a PS3.

01-18-09, 11:36 PM	#4
Blacklash 8^9^3 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Old Vizima Posts: 3,679	Re: Help me choose a card for my HTPC! I like this HD 4870 1Gb for 230usd or 205usd with rebate: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127400 It has a good cooler on it too. __________________ Intel Core i7 920 @ 3.96GHz (1.36v)\|Mushkin 998681 XP3-12800 (3x2GB) ASUS TUF Sabertooth (X58)\|ASUS GTX 580 DirectCU II (980\|4604)\|ASUS PA246Q WD VelociRaptor 150GB HD (x2)\|Pioneer DVR-2920Q\|LG GH22LS30\|Klipsch PM20 2.0 SilverStone OP1000-E\|SilverStone TJ10-B\|Thermalright U-120 Extreme\|Win 7 HP x64

01-19-09, 12:30 AM	#5
Toss3 .<<o>>. Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Finland Posts: 4,763	Re: Help me choose a card for my HTPC! I'd get a GTX 260 if you're gonna use it for a HTPC. Drivers are better and it supports Ycbcr over hdmi. __________________ : :Asus Rampage II Gene : : Core i7 920 4011Mhz : : 6Gb 1600Mhz A-Data DDR3 : : Club3D Theatron Agrippa : : Intel 80GB SSD : : 2xSamsung F1 750Gb : : Sapphire 5850 @ 850/1225Mhz : : : :Benq FP241W : : Optoma HD80 Projector + 92" Screen : : Genelec 8020B speakers : : Sony MDR-XB700 Headphones : : Razer Lycosa : : Razer Lachesis : :

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