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HTPC GPU

ruskie

ruskie

ruskie

Associate
Joined
25 Sep 2009
Posts
55
I'm looking to upgrade my GPU for my HTPC. It must be capable of

- PCI-E
- MKV/Bluray Playback
- HDMI with onboard sound
- Low Power & Fanless
- Nvidia brand
- Budget £50-£100

I don't want to go down the ATI route because I've had nothing but problems with my HD4550. Black screen on DVD playback and Green Screen on Blurray Playback.

Thanks

Paul
 
I've had DVD issues with ATI too, I went and bought a Geforce 210 and everything is fine now (but my case is hotter)
 
Thanks for the information. Is this card up to playing 1080p content smoothly? Does anybody want to suggest an alternative before I purchase?

I mentioned I needed fanless but I'm I open to a HS&F as long as its low power and quiet.
 
ATI 5450 up to 5750 fanless don't seem to have issues?

My own 5750 fanless has been faultless, just plugs in and plays. Never bothered with Nvidea because of reported audio issues.
 
It is annoying and it probably increases the load on the processor. The is a problem with the HDCP in the ATI Driver.

I think I'll just buy a Geforce 210. The heatsink on the Evga model looks massive. Does anyone know if this will fit the Shuttle SG33G5M case?
 
You can get a passive GT220 inside your budget as well, as long as you can take normal size rather than low profile cards.

Some of the more HTPC-orientated reviews have highlighted the GT210 is fine for decoding, but can't handle filters on top, which the 220 can. Might be worth considering. Its more than I wanted to spend at £62, but I figure best to spend a bit more now and not have to worry so much about what I want the machine to do, rather than saving £15-20.

Only problem with passive components is they highlight other noise-making parts in the machine (and sometimes they require some airflow, the GT220 doesnt seem to run THAT hot based on EVGA precision though...about 50degrees idle, bit higher when decoding, with no fans over it)... haha

Easyrider said:
GeForce GT 210 what audio does this support?
HD master audio bitstream?
Click to expand...
No HD audio bitstream unfortunately. Heard the 4 series GF104-based lower end cards might though.
 
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