What silent graphics card?

Hi. I'm looking for some recommendations for a silent PCI-E graphics card for around £60 for use in a HTPC. I'd also like some basic gaming capability but it doesn't have to be too great.

I was considering ones based on Nvidia 8500GT, 7600GS or ATI X1650 Pro which seem to be about the right price. I don't need HDMI. Any thoughts on which one to go for?

Thanks

I'd say go for 8500GT, as it has HD video decoding. There should be passive ones as well.
For example this or this. Though Scan say they do not have HDCP.

only the 8600gts has hardware support for hdcp the 8500 has software acceleration for it i think...something like that lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by staffsMike

only the 8600gts has hardware support for hdcp the 8500 has software acceleration for it i think...something like that lol

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They both have hardware acceleration for some HD video formats... but only the 8600gts comes with HDCP (the encryption system) which is needed if you want to playback encrypted Bluray and hddvd films... your screen also needs a HDCP input.

Dont think there is any point in going for the older models if the 8500 is the same price. The new technology is worth it for a little bit more cash for me.

that makes sense..knew it was something like that :mrgreen: