Out of touch, need gfx HDTV card advice

[g8ina]

Morning all,

Its been a while

I currently run a P35 mobo with 2GB 667MHz, and a 256MB 7100GS card. Recently bought a new LCD 1080p panel and want to run HDTV from the PC.

Currently running a 20m SVGA cable from the PC to LCD and its OK, but I am getting some flashing glitches when running a 1080p movie - on closer inspection this is happening on my 19" monitor too, so it looks like my gfx card isnt keeping up.

Im so out of touch its silly ! What are my best low cost options for a new card. Ideally Id like to keep passive cooling to reduce noise, and card should have DVI, VGA and maybe HDMI.

Budget up to about 100 quid.

Thanks
(nice to be back)

David

[Skinleech]

I just picked up an Sapphire ATI 5450 for my TV server machine, which occaisionaly is used for HD watching. I've currently got it in my main HTPC to test how it runs in comparison to the on-board Nvidia 8300 on the HTPC mobo, and it works like a charm.

I've only tested a few things, but full 1080p is playing without a glitch, and the 24hz option seems far better out of the box than I could ever get with the 8300. It's got DVI, VGA and HDMI and will bitsteam audio directly over the HDMI port.

It was less than £40 from Ebuyer, and is fully passive. It's PCI-E too of that makes a difference.

[g8ina]

Thanks for that, looks good.

Next query - whats the difference between PCI 1 x16 and PCI 2.0 / 2.1 x16 ? Is it a different socket or just electrical spec ?

Will my mobo take a 2.0 or 2.1 card ?

[scaryjim]

You probably wouldn't go far wrong with an 8400GS or HD4350 to be honest, which can be picked up significantly cheaper than a 5450...

[dfour]

Yes a v1 will run in a version 2 socket and visa versa.

4550 £30
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/190767
5450 passive £41
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/199434

[Funkstar]

The 5xxx series have the advantage of being able to bitstream lossless high definition audio from BluRays and other HD footage.

[g8ina]

Cool (in more ways than one )

Thanks guys, 5450 it is then

[Zak33]

dunno if you're interested but I can lend you a 3450 to try if you'd like,

It's good to have you back here... thnk we owe you a favour tbh.

I'll pay postage.. can send tomorrow.

I'm sure it'll do 1080 p for you.

edit;; yes.. HD decoding. Bingo

PM me your address if you'd like to try it. If it's good, you can have it for small (say £10) donation to Help For Heroes.

[g8ina]

PM sent, nice to be so well remembered

[Zak33]

in the post today

[Skinleech]

The 5xxx series have the advantage of being able to bitstream lossless high definition audio from BluRays and other HD footage.

Yep, and in conjunction with ffdshow, you can bitstream direct from m2ts/mkv files in any Directshow player, which is nice.

[g8ina]

Card arrived safe and sound, installed straight away and is showing cloned 1440x900 in local monitor and LG 32" panel with no artifacts or tearing..... Looking very promising.

FurMark test bring temp up to max 54 C and gives a lowish score but a damn sight faster than my old 7100GS !

Will be making donation this afternoon

Thanks again Matt

[Zak33]

a pleasure

glad it's what I hoped it would be for you I love those cards... quite simple little things but remarkable really.