HTPC Video Card
As mentioned in the motherboard section, onboard video is a great option for a HTPC. Intergrated graphics is quiet, and saves you money. Dedicated video cards can also take up power and create heat, making your HTPC nosier. Dedicated video cards are usually overkill for a HTPC, since a good integrated solution will do the job fine. However if you want to go with a dedicated video card, this page outlines what you need.
Nvidia vs ATIATI is known to have better quality picture output when it comes to HDTV. Thus if you are in the market for a graphics card purely for your HTPC, ATI would be the better option.
However if you are going to choose linux as an operating system, Nvidia video cards has better support. Also if you are planning on playing games on your HTPC, some Nvidia cards are better for their price range.
Which Card
If you want to play Blu-Ray DVDs, then you need a HDCP compliant video card, so we will use this as a minimum requirement for the graphics card.
When it comes to ATI cards, the minimum to buy would be a 256mb 2600pro. Anything lower then this will have trouble playing 1080p content. However these aren’t really a lot cheaper than the better options so I would not recommend getting one of these (but if you have this card or something similar lying around, you can use it :)).
If you have a slightly larger budget, a 512mb HD3450
If you want a Nvidia card, the minimum to get is the 8600gt. Note that the Avivo technology on the HD3450 is a lot better than the PureVideo technology for 8600gt, so the Nvidia option is not recommended. A 9600gt
Going for a video card that is better than those suggested will provide you more graphics power, but this is unnecessary on a HTPC. A better graphics card will use up more power, and be hotter, and thus will make more noise. HTPCs don’t need better graphics cards, as HD decoding does not require any 3D.
When you buy a graphics card, try to get a passively cooled card, for example one that uses silentpipe technology. This means that there are no fans on your graphics card, which will make it quieter.
What Company
All graphics cards are made to certain specifications, so they all perform the same. The difference between companies is in what bundle you get with the graphics card, for example included games or the warranty.
If you are on a budget, a generic graphics card is just as good as a brand named card. These ‘generic’ brands are still good quality brands, they are just not as famous as some other brands.
If you want to pay a premium for a brand, or want something in the included bundle, the best graphics cards companies are generally gigabyte, asus, leadtek, XFX and PNY.
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Your blog is interesting!
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