Anything special "videocard" needed

[jstutman]

I am trying to understand if an X1800 is good to use for an HTPC, I currently have one and needing a new video card, I cant decide between this one or purchasing a newer video card. Your comments/suggestions would be greatful.

[Jon]

Depends on what you're playing back. With a decent CPU, it will play back HD content. It will not support HDCP, however.

[mepis]

I would spend the money and buy a bottom line HD series card. It will do HDCP. All the cards, even with a good system, will play back HD great, and best of all it will have HDMI built in so if you have an HDMI input on your TV you can use that and also eliminate the need for a sound card.

[GreenJelly]

not any HD series... there is a passive cooling radeon 2600gt that will handle BR mpeg4 compression. $50... look on new egg.

[jstutman]

ended up ordering this card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102731

However, ordered it from Buy.com for $50 Shipped

[GreenJelly]

wonderfull card, but Buy.com? Now its $45 at NewEgg...

My video card dropped $30 in the time it took from when my RMA memory was Suppose to come in, from when it did. Also, Id rather pay a bit more from NewEgg, but thats my decision.