HTPC Graphics Card

bignev72 · 4 Feb 2013 at 16:07

Hi Guys,

I have a N36L mini server. I was looking to make this into a HTPC.

What is the best graphics card to get to allow for HDMI audio out and that will allow me to play files in 1080p?

Would a low profile 5450 be sufficient? Or should I spent slightly more and get a 6450?

Do these both support HDMI audio and are they up to the task?

Chris1712 · 4 Feb 2013 at 16:28

5450 Is sufficient generally but 6450 will give you UVD 3 which allows hardware decode of MVC streams, that's BluRay 3D basically. Also xvid and divx hardware decode but that's very rarely used.

bignev72 · 4 Feb 2013 at 16:31

Thanks.

I might spend slightly more and get the 6450 then. There really isn't much difference in price.

The 6450 definitely supports audio over HDMI doesn't it?

Marsman · 4 Feb 2013 at 17:05

Yes it does. I have a 6450 in mine. Works great.

Bossk128 · 7 Feb 2013 at 12:57

I also have a 6450 in my N40L, it works well using Media Portal.

Thinking of trying XBMC though as I want to convert HD audio codecs to LPCM on the fly over HDMI....