3870 or 9600GT for htpc?

[mdjmcnally]

I believe that the SPDIF is SPDIF in for routing the sound out over the HDMI cable. It is more a case of though if the sound is using the HDCP. However that is only relevant if content protection is in place.

 

[Darkwave]

I think mine and your views of what a HTPC should be are totally different.

Each to there own though. I still think its stupid and total overkill for a HTPC.

Note I said "gaming HTPC". This machine is my primary machine, only it sits under and connected to a 32" (720p) Sammy LCD and Microsoft remote for when I need the actual media part of it.

The HTPC I have downstairs has an E6300, 512MB value RAM and onboard graphics as that is purely for media functions and web browsing, doesn't even have a mouse that one I use the Microsoft Media keyboard/remote combo.

As for cooling, SLI/Crossfire etc. my case allows for all those things as it's full ATX. Temps are fine too and the only thing I've gone stingy on is my CPU overclock as I am running a Thermalright SI-128 passively, but I could fit a fan on it if I wanted.

I mean if your short on cash/space why didnt you use a full tower case?

Wasn't short of cash or space, just wanted my PC in the TV stand.

Still have my desk to the left of it with a regular 20" (1680x1050) Sammy LCD, mouse/keyboard etc.

 

[TheMorningStar]

the 3870 cards are almost silent in 2d opperation even my powercolour 3870 extreme which is sead to be slightly louder than the reference cooler is quiet

 

[craptakular]

I believe that the SPDIF is SPDIF in for routing the sound out over the HDMI cable. It is more a case of though if the sound is using the HDCP. However that is only relevant if content protection is in place.

dont these new G cards have an onbaord soud chip to carry the sound over HDMI.

I would say unless your intending to run the new HD audio formats, stick with SPDIF.

 

[coupe69]

wow a 3870 or 9600GT (not so much) is total over kill for a HTPC!

The better HTPc cards are the 8500GT/8600GT or 3450!!

I think I'm right in saying the 3540 carries audio over HDMI.

Buying a 3870 for HTPC is really stupid. There two hot, big and loud - for hTPC use. For gaming yes, good card. HTPC use = bad.

Just my 2 cents

You obviously didn't even bother to read my first post at all

This PC will have to be good for gaming too, I want to be able to play games on my 37" lcd with most of the eye candy on and not have to worry about poor fps. So that really rules out the 3 cards that you suggested, please excuse me for my stupidity

Thanks to everybody else for their input, I eventually decided to go for the gainward 9600GT which hopefully if its anything like the gainward 8800GT that I brought a while ago should be pretty quiet anyway.

 

[Seft]

I believe that the SPDIF is SPDIF in for routing the sound out over the HDMI cable. It is more a case of though if the sound is using the HDCP. However that is only relevant if content protection is in place.

Correct, to quote HotHardware:

HDMI is popular with home-theater environments of course as well, and works in conjunction with the S/PDIF audio inputs on the board in order to push audio and video through a single HDMI port. The board features an optical S/PDIF input port on the rear, along with a 2-pin S/PDIF connector on the top of the board next to its SLI connector