HTPC 4K requirements.

[rjk]

Hi all.

It's been a while, hope you're all good.

I have a htpc with an I3 3220T CPU. This has ran everything I needed until now as I have upgraded my TV to 4K.

Do I just need HDMI 2.0 cables?

4K isn't a selectable resolution so I'm guessing the IGPU doesn't support it.

Looking for advice on a suitable graphics card to run 4K video. Gaming is not a consideration.

All comments appreciated.

 

[z10m]

The cheapest graphics card with HDMI 2.0 would be that https://www.overclockers.co.uk/asus...ddr5-pci-express-graphics-card-gx-41h-as.html

 

[arby1]

The cheapest graphics card with HDMI 2.0 would be that https://www.overclockers.co.uk/asus...ddr5-pci-express-graphics-card-gx-41h-as.html

Is it fast enough for native 4k files? Thinking here of decompressing mkv files for example. I'm not doubting it, just checking.

 

[z10m]

Is it fast enough for native 4k files? Thinking here of decompressing mkv files for example. I'm not doubting it, just checking.

Yup. It will do decoding of HEVC just fine.
Not sure about encoding tho.

 

[arby1]

Yup. It will do decoding/encoding of HEVC just fine.

Then yeah, can't go wrong with that card then.

 

[z10m]

Then yeah, can't go wrong with that card then.

Sorry just edited my previous post. I am not sure about the encoding part.

Radeon RX 550 does both according to official AMD website.
It is a bit more expensive though.

 

[rjk]

I don't need to encode. Just for viewing

Does that make a difference

 

[hornetstinger]

Ideally you want a passive GPU. Not sure what low power, low heat GPU offers H265 HVC hardware decoding (I want one too)

 

[arby1]

If you downclock a 1050 can it be run passive?
With a custom fan profile to kick in at high temperatures just for safety?
Maybe even the 1030 would work for that too??

 

[z10m]

I don't need to encode. Just for viewing

Does that make a difference

In that case GT 1030 is all you want. With 30W power consumption it should be very quiet even with a fan.

 

[rjk]

There is this? Would that work?

https://www.asus.com/Graphics-Cards/GT1030-SL-2G-BRK/

 

[hornetstinger]

Can't see H265 HVC hardware acceleration. Is there something similar but from ATI?

 

[z10m]

Can't see H265 HVC hardware acceleration. Is there something similar but from ATI?

AMD (ATI) has the RX 550 which does both H265 HEVC decoding and encoding while GeForce GT 1030 is cheaper, uses less power but only does accelerated H265 HEVC decoding.

 

[z10m]

There is this? Would that work?

https://www.asus.com/Graphics-Cards/GT1030-SL-2G-BRK/

Sure why wouldn't it.? That's if you only need decoding.

 

[rjk]

Ok 1030 it is then

Thanks for your advice all.