What GPU for non-gaming HTPC?

[riskyfrisky]

What would be a reasonably cheap yet decent GPU for a HTPC? I won't be doing any gaming at all on it but I will be watching HD videos and HD streams, so it needs to have some grunt at least.

Thanks!

 

[riskyfrisky]

Anything with HDMI outputs....

Depends on your budget too.... http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-267-SP&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1984

or lower end 6450 fo about £40

Thanks for the quick reply. I was looking at the 6*** range of cards, though I actually like the Asus 6670, but I know that's a little overkill.

Budget isn't an issue really I can go up to about £70, but I don't want to overspend on something that isn't going to be used to it's full potential.

 

[riskyfrisky]

A passive 6450 would be fine, anything more wouldn't be used if you're not gaming. I use a 6450 in my htpc and its faultless, perfect image quality and bitstreamed audio .

Brilliant! I'm looking to get an OrigenAE case, which is expensive, so if I can save some money on the GPU then i'm all for it. Would a passive 6450 be able to handle Blu-ray?

 

[riskyfrisky]

Why not look at an AMD A6, A8 or A10, the onboard GPU is plenty for what you want it to do

That's the route i'd go down if I didn't already have motherboard and CPU - I should've said sorry. All I need is the GPU, and because the Origen case can take ATX motherboards, I can use old parts from my gaming PC when I upgrade. Splendid!

 

[riskyfrisky]

I've decided upon the 6570 card, it is too tempting to ignore.

Thanks for the help!