robust graphics for htpc

[BlackEdition]

does anyone have any recommendations for a good graphics card for a htpc? obviously the htpc will be used for video playback, (maybe hd eventually, when i can afford a blu ray drive and hd screen). i would like the graphics card to be robust, and not struggle with any sort of playback...

i would like to make a custom small form factor case for the build, so i would like the card to be slim, although i can modify my design to accomodate the larger card if absolutely necessary.

thanks!

[Wicked Klown]

Any of the ATi cards fromt he HD2600 and up would be good.

[BlackEdition]

what about the 2600 pro?

would it be better to get one of the hd3*** series? the HIS 2600pro is attractively priced and has a cooler that will do a nice job of diverting heat out of the case...

do you have any specific card suggestions?

[Wicked Klown]

I would have to say yes. With the newer cards you get better sound then you do with the 2600 line of card, also alittle better handling of blu-ray.

[BlackEdition]

i was thinking of putting an audigy or other sound card in as well... would i get better sound quality than onboard sound?

any recommendations?

[Adragontattoo]

What OS? Depending on the OS makes the choice of Audio Card a quasi challenge.

[ratbuddy]

does anyone have any recommendations for a good graphics card for a htpc? obviously the htpc will be used for video playback, (maybe hd eventually, when i can afford a blu ray drive and hd screen). i would like the graphics card to be robust, and not struggle with any sort of playback...

i would like to make a custom small form factor case for the build, so i would like the card to be slim, although i can modify my design to accomodate the larger card if absolutely necessary.

thanks!

How about a G45 board? The IGP is supposed to be able to handle 1080p with ease.

[BlackEdition]

has to be amd... i am going to be moving the proc that i have in my sig over to a htpc...

i think that i am going to upgrade to one of the E0 stepping core 2 duos if the overclock results are as good as people are saying they will be

[BlackEdition]

i will definitely be using windows based media center...

i will be using one of the free media center software packages... (anyone have any favorites?)

[Wicked Klown]

For a sound car I would look in to an AuzenTech Xplosion. If using analog replace the stock Op-amps with a few Burr-Brown ones and the thing really comes to life.

[BlackEdition]

would the radeon 3450 be a good card?

in gaming, creative seems to have a big influence at least in the ability to offer "special effects" in games with things like EAX...

is the same true in media playback? or are other sound cards just as feature laden...

i have heard very good things about azuntech....

[satandole666]

As far as cards, I have a 2600XT 512MB in mine and I've had absolutely no issues with playback.

It can also play "some" games alright at 1080p resolution. I don't know what the current price is on these (I paid $110) but it should work perfect for you.

I'd personally go with a 3870 (or 3850) as they are very attractively priced at the moment. They offer all HD features of the touted 2600 series and are a lot better for gaming.

I'll be snagging up a 4850 for my HTPC when I can grab one for under or around $100. I need a little more gaming power than the 2600 series offers so I'll be upgrading when it is affordable.

Stay away from Creative if you plan on using Vista. I've heard bad things about the drivers but TBH I've had no issues with my X-Fi Platinum in Vista.

[Wicked Klown]

would the radeon 3450 be a good card?

in gaming, creative seems to have a big influence at least in the ability to offer "special effects" in games with things like EAX...

is the same true in media playback? or are other sound cards just as feature laden...

i have heard very good things about azuntech....


For audio playback Creative blows in the HTPC world. Most the time Dolby Digital and DTS will not work. To get it to work you need modded drivers which may be hard to find. You could get the best of both worlds with an Auzentech X-Fi Prelude. Which offers EAX 5.0 as well as AuzenTech technology for great HTPC sound.

[BlackEdition]

do any of you use freeware media center interfaces?

[Wicked Klown]

For awhile I was using GB-PVR and loved it. Then I changed over to Vista and tried MCE with MyMovies. Right now I'm using Media Player Classic for my DVDs, AVI, and MP3s.

[smokie mcpott]

www.team-mediaportal.com

nuff said