GPU for HTPC Question

[cmacnichol]

Hello all,

I recently built myself a new computer and am going to use the old one for an HTPC, discussion was here. http://www.thegreenbutton.tv/forums/vie ... f=7&t=5493

While I was getting a new computer at Microcenter I made an impulse buy on a Geforce 8400gs 1024MB for $35.

Now, I can still take it back. So the question here is, is this card good enough to use in an HTPC for HD content? Or should I just take it back and get another card?

[staknhalo]

Take it back. Doesn't do HDMI audio without a SPDIF connector, more power hungry than newer cards, doesn't do HD audio bitstreaming. I owned 2 of them in the past when I did DVI-HDMI to the TV and audio from computer to some separate speakers back in the day (still have one as a backup card; one got fried from me f*cking with it). They also got too hot for my taste.

[cmacnichol]

Well that was easy.

In that case what kind of card would you recommend? Just need HD at least 1080i with Sound over HDMI.

[staknhalo]

If no bitstreaming is needed get a 210 (cheapest) - if you want bitstreaming get a 430 or 610 (though like I mentioned in the previous thread, they go for the same price and the 610 is newer - so why not that).

[cmacnichol]

Sounds like a plan. Thanks for the advice.