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Gaming card for an HTPC

Teaf

Teaf

Teaf

Soldato
Joined
17 Dec 2006
Posts
8,262
Having somewhat lost touch with the graphics cards of late, I'm wondering if anyone could help me suggest a graphics card for my friend, he's wanting to get into PC gaming along with his 360. I'm not really sure what to suggest for him. Few things though:

1. He's using an Antec Fusion case, so there isn't masses of space and it would have to be a single slot graphics card
2. The power supply is the basic 430w~ Antec PSU (think it's Earthwatts)
3. Has to have sufficient power to play games at decent quality comparable to the 360 or better
4. He plays on a LCD TV which is 1360x768.
5. Maximum budget for the card is £80.
6. CPU is E2180 at stock speeds, if you need to that take into account

I was thinking a ATI 4670, but I'm not totally convinced on the graphics power of this card after having checked some reviews. The other option was the 4850 single slot (the OcUK one) but I'm concerned on the size of it in the case and the power from the PSU not being able to run it properly. Also I remember the 4850 coolers being a total heap of ass.

Anyone have any suggestions?
 
Why does it have to be a single slot card, has he got a lot of add in cards?

Best bet would be an old second hand single slot 8800GT, 9600GT etc, although the single slots were always a bit on the noisy side especially under load.

8800.jpg


The case is big enough for an ATi 3850, 3870 or even a 4850 but as mentioned these are not the quietest.

At 1360x768 you're not really going to need anything mega powerfull to be able to turn the eye candy up.

Here is my HTPC an Antec Fusion case, running a double slot 8800GT and seperate creative Xfi card, and I've still got just enough room for another card in the PCI slot.

DSCF0119.jpg
 
coupe69 said:
Why does it have to be a single slot card, has he got a lot of add in cards?
Click to expand...
Aye he has a couple of add-ins. Nova TV card in the PCI slot and a Creative sound card in the PCI-E slot. It looks like he has the same board you do, or at least very similar, so if he got a double slot graphics card it would either be touching or go over the PCI slot. Thanks for the screenshots by the way, they were very handy :) I might just see if I can find a single slot 9800GT (assuming it fits, I'm guessing yes it will if the 4850 fits).
 
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It is slightly above budget but the ATI 5750 may fit, it uses very little power, and should game with moderate settings all the way up to 1900x1200.
More importantly it supports bitstreaming of Dolby True HD and dts Master Audio through the HDMI. This is a feature your mate might appreciate if he ever splashes out on a nice amplifier. To buy a sound card with these features would cost ~£160 so its a good deal.
Plus the card would support DX11 for future games.
 
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