Low power/HTPC card & two screen questions

[LostPhil]

Hi all,

Currently I have this PC (780g, HD 3200 integrated graphics) running through my HDTV (1360x768), upscaling DVD's and general surfing the web.

Now, I'm looking at getting a desk and a small (19", 1360 x 768 ish) monitor so I can do the surfing/msn/word processing more comfortably while also using the TV for Blu-ray/upscaled DVD's at the same time. Using the VGA for the monitor and HDMI for the TV.

I'm just wondering whether the integrated graphics is going to be fine with this? Would I benefit from an HD 4550/4650?

Not really going to be gaming and if I am, wont be any more demanding than FEAR (1). Would rather keep the power usage and noise down.

 

[feeddagoat]

I dont think mobo outputs can handle more than one monitor at a time. You should maybe look at an HD4350. If the HD3200 handles fear then that should handle it too. I recently RMA'd my graphics card and had to run with onboard HD3200. It handled oblivion @ low to med on 22" 1680x1050. The HD4650 would be nice, enough grunt to turn up some eye candy.

 

[LostPhil]

Thanks for confirming my suspicions about two monitors off of the mobo!

I was weighing up the 4350 and 4550 but I'll just go for the passive 4670. It'll do far more than I need but at the same time, don't want to be kicking myself in a few months for picking up an under powered card when I want to try a few games! Lets just hope they stay in stock long enough for me to order one...

Thanks.

EDIT: and unfortunately, haven't tried FEAR on the integrated graphics. Might try it for a laugh when I get my monitor tomorrow!

 

[feeddagoat]

always nice to get something that you know will handle everything. Some slight future-proofing in some ways. FEAR would be interesting to try....something jumps out and single digit fps would probally add to the excitment xD