GPU for HD Playback

Ok, so my bro has my old comp and he mainly just wants to play 1080P video on his Dell 2408WFP, with the odd game here and there. The current specs are as follows:-

2 x 2.0GHZ Opteron 246
2GB DDR 400
600W PSU
Tyan K8WE
MSI 6800GT
Running XP SP3

Now, he's looking in the price range of either the 4850, or the 9800GTX(+). Which would offer him better HD playback performance? And would either of these cards really be all he needs to upgrade to get good 1080P playback?

Thanks in advance guys.

For HD playback, there isn't going to be any performance difference between them. It's either going to cope or not really.

The AMD 780G chipset can handle high bandwidth BluRay just fine, and it's based on a 3800 chipset.

Over and above the card, you'll also need software capable of playing the material and utilising the hardware acceleration. PowerDVD Ultra is one, I think WinDVD can also be used.

The ATi's offer HD audio over HDMI as well which is one thing to consider when comparing the two.

Gaming wise they are pretty similar.

Heat wise, the Nvidia is a fair bit better as the ATi seems to Idle around 80 degree's with the stock cooler, but take into account it only goes up to around 84/85 under load due to the fan profiles being a little odd.

If he doesn't game then get the HD3450 which will do the job exactly as good as a HD4850

There are a few HD3850's floating around the £60 mark as well. Good for an odd bit of gaming, not quite as high as 1920 x 1200 perhaps but 1680 x1050 would be fine.
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/144318 (credit to bobby in the bargains section)

THe HD3450 would be great for just HD but gaming will be a struggle.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by staffsMike

There are a few HD3850's floating around the £60 mark as well. Good for an odd bit of gaming, not quite as high as 1920 x 1200 perhaps but 1680 x1050 would be fine.

THe HD3450 would be great for just HD but gaming will be a struggle.

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I don't see gaming mentioned in his post... if he doesn't game then anything over a HD3450 is overkill

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cobhc

Ok, so my bro has my old comp and he mainly just wants to play 1080P video on his Dell 2408WFP, with the odd game here and there. The current specs are as follows:-

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odd game is gaming imo :p

Like I said, I didn't see that :p I should read posts properly..
But maybe he meant minesweeper and solitaire?

I use a silent 8500GT for 1080P playback.

its spot on.

My HTPC has an 8600GTS in it and works great through PDVD or Arcsoft Total Media Extreme. May NAS machine is an a lowly Athlon XP 3000 with an AGP 2600XT in it, and it handles Blu-ray and HD-DVD just fine also.

As has been noted, neither are ideal for games.

Well I think he would like something that has a bit of grunt to it. He had pretty much got it down to either the 4850, or the 9800GTX(+). I think we will go for the 9800GTX+ to make sure heat isn't an issue, and HD Audio wouldn't come into it, as the onboard sound he's using isn't HD anyways.

On a side note, we shouldn't have any problems with the 9800GTX+ in a Thermaltake Armor case should we?

Thanks for the help guys.

Is it a big case? Is there anything in line with the PCI-E slot, because it might be a couple of cm longer than the mobo...

But good choice, the 9800gtx+ is a great card if you want a bit of grunt (up to 1920x1200)

http://www.thermaltake.com/product/C.../va8000bws.asp

Only thing that might obstruct is the 120mm fan in the movable cage, which is at the bottom of the drive bays currently.

Edit:- Looking at it, the 9800GTX+ is only 2 inches longer than the 6800GT that is in there. I'm sure we have that amount of room no problem, but I will check tonight.

Ok, so I ordered the BFG 9800GTX+ for him last night off of Scan, should have it tomorrow.

Thanks for all your help guys.