which gfx in my HTPC

[schford]

So Ibought an ATI 3870 - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-090-HT&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=416 for my HTPC as I wanted sound over HDMI - but it is such a pain in the asse I ended up using the optical out - I am now thinking of using my XBOX 360 wireless remote to play some games like Crysis - I have a 60 inch 1080p monitor which is 1920 by 1080 - is what I have in there gfx card wise better or as good as an 8800 gtx.

So the question is shoudl I leave the 3870 in or shoudl I borrow one of my 8800 gtxs - https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-051-OK or even both out of my main pc and dump the ATI 3870 in as I dont htink I will now play games on my main pc if the new ones work well on the HTPC with the wirless controller?

The other consideration is sound - the ATI one is silent to me eg I cant hear it....I have no idea how loud my 880 gtxs are as the fans in my main pc are soooo loud where as my HTPC is near enough silent - what do you all think?

PS mother board in the HTPC is http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-135-AB&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=913

Thanks

Stuart

 

[ArcAneTSGK]

60 inches :O
Crysis plays bad on 22"
i suppose at that resolution it would cope though, although no graphics card config actually plays crysis at highest very well. 3870 are good cards, but an Nvidia will be better at Cryisis because it is more powerful.

 

[badbob]

If you want to game, then you're not building a HTPC. A 8800GTX should be able to do 1920x1080 on Crysis, without AA. It's just about playable on my 1900XTX.

22" resolution is 1680x1050, 60" is 1920x1080, so only more horizontal resolution.

 

[schford]

If you want to game, then you're not building a HTPC. A 8800GTX should be able to do 1920x1080 on Crysis, without AA. It's just about playable on my 1900XTX.

22" resolution is 1680x1050, 60" is 1920x1080, so only more horizontal resolution.

Well it is connected to my tv and surround sound, and has my movie library on there so works as a hdtv for me - I guess playing games wont change its function to much

I guess I could add another 3870 in which shoudl double the gfx power and still be quiet....or I coiuld put the twin 880 gtxs in - but I think they will generate a lot more heat and be more noisy...

Any thoughts?

Oh and I assume the ABIT IP35 Pro supports 2 ATI gfx cards?

Thanks

Stuart

 

[badbob]

It does, but the second PCI-E slot is 4X so not getting full potential from the second card. Buy the fastest single card, 8800GTX.

 

[craptakular]

3450/8500GT/8600GT - passive HDCP cards.

htpc and gaming rigs dont mix

 

[schford]

Well the 3870 XT is whisper quiet and plays games great as well as being an awsome HTPC box although want to see some fancy stuff inCrysis on the 60 inch screen with my xbox remotre- just ordered a 3870 X2 lets see how that one works now!

 

[james.miller]

If you want to game, then you're not building a HTPC. A 8800GTX should be able to do 1920x1080 on Crysis, without AA. It's just about playable on my 1900XTX.

22" resolution is 1680x1050, 60" is 1920x1080, so only more horizontal resolution.

what constitutes a htpc? mine has an 8800gtx in it, and it does everything but record tv. it would do that to, if i needed it to.

3450/8500GT/8600GT - passive HDCP cards.

htpc and gaming rigs dont mix

i beg to differ.

 

[MeatLoaf]

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17841244

 

[wolvers]

htpc and gaming rigs dont mix

They do if you water cool 'em!