HTPC Graphics Card Update?

[ebilcake]

Currently using a HD7850 in my HTPC, looking for card with similar size, power consumption, noise levels and only one power connection.

Do any cards meet these specs and are actually worth upgrading too?

 

[Jumper118]

both asus and gigabyte make mini/itx versions of the gtx 970 which would be a decent upgrade.

 

[Scrumpy_Jack]

Being an HTPC any size constraints on the size of card you can use. In your shoes i'd probably looking at the Nvidia GTX960 range of cards with only using one 6pin power connection to the GPU. Should make a nice upgrade. Have a browse here...

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=701&catid=1914&subid=2379 quite a vareity of cards on offer at OC.

 

[m4thew]

GTX 960 has the added benefit of HDMI 2 giving you more options in the future if you swop your tv to 4k

 

[ebilcake]

Looking at the Gigabyte GTX 960 ITX as according to the single review it only needs a single 6pin pcie cable which would be perfect.

Can't find much information on this card, Google is just bring up shops.

Can anyone confirm if one 6pin pcie cable is enough?

 

[wellibob]

I have the gigabyte 960 itx in my htpc. It's great for 1080p and very cool and quiet. 970 obviously better but 960 fairs well at 1080p which most hdtv's are.

 

[ShivP]

I would keep it if you aren't gaming and using it as just a HTPC

 

[Scrumpy_Jack]

What make/model of PSU do you have to power your system, rest of system specs?

 

[ebilcake]

What make/model of PSU do you have to power your system, rest of system specs?

i7 920
Gigabyte EX58-DS4
6GB DDR3 1600
500W PSU Silent (Forget Brand)
HD7850
Silverstone flat Case Standard ATX

I use it for gaming where possible, sometimes I just prefer larger display with controller, for example I much prefer playing Elite Dangerous with a controller on my TV.

 

[Scrumpy_Jack]

TDP for the 7850 is around 130watts, the 960 in comparison is 120watts. The GTX960 is likely to use a little less juice than the 7850 but will still be faster overall.

The 960's i have looked at some come with 1x6pin others require 1x8pin. The type of case you have suggests you would be better off with a GPU with a reference cooler to exhaust the hot air directly out of the case, eg..., aftermarket coolers tend to dump the air the case and relies on your case cooling to get rid of the hot air.

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-070-KF&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=2379