Video card for HTPC and light gaming

[vibe123]

I have a Dell Inspiron 530 with a Q6600 and a 350W Lite-On power supply. My native resolution is 1680x1050, but I don't expect to run games at this resolution. I mainly play source games. I have narrowed down the video cards to three choices. My budget is around $70 and I'm in Canada.

GT240 GDDR5
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=51304&vpn=GT240XYHFC&manufacture=XFX&promoid=1021
$55 AR

HD 4670 GDDR3
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=44972
This card can be price matched to $74.24 before rebate.
$54.24 AR

HD 5550 DDR3
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=52256&vpn=AX5550 512MK3-H&manufacture=PowerColor
This card can be price matched to $63.49 before rebate.
$43.49 AR

 

[(FIH) The Don]

def the 4670

 

[robal]

I went for H5570 for my HTPC.
I does a good job with HD media, multiple displays, Windows Aero etc.

However, it's a bit too weak for gaming.
I'd recommend this: http://www.techpowerup.com/126931/MSI_Intros_Low-Profile_Radeon_HD_5670_Graphics_Card.html

 

[Dent1]

I have a Dell Inspiron 530 with a 350W Lite-On power supply. My native resolution is 1680x1050, but I don't expect to run games at this resolution. I have narrowed down the video cards to three choices.

GT240 GDDR5
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=51304&vpn=GT240XYHFC&manufacture=XFX&promoid=1021

HD 4670 GDDR3
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=44972
This card can be price matched to $74.24 before rebate.

HD 5550 DDR3
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=52256&vpn=AX5550 512MK3-H&manufacture=PowerColor
This card can be price matched to $63.49 before rebate.

Are you American?

You can get a GTS 250 1 GB for under $100, its only slightly more than the cards in question but twice as fast. Its probably your only choice if you want to throw gaming in the mix too.

Palit GTS 250 1 GB
Palit NE3TS25EFHD02 GeForce GTS 250 E-Green 1GB 25...

 

[vibe123]

So if I don't game, any video card will do? By the way I'm Canadian, I'm not sure my power supply can handle the GTS 250 or the HD 4850. Other than DX11, are there any practical features that are different between the HD 4670 and HD 5550?

 

[assaulter_99]

Yeah if you don't plan to game, any card will do, even mega low end cards that will cost you even less than your budget. If you wanna game, then thats another story. Provided they can suck juice out of that PS.

 

[JrRacinFan]

http://www.ascendtech.us/itemdesc.asp?ic=VC384PLG9600GSO

An option for you if you want to save little bit of cash. Performs better in gaming than the 4670 consumes close to same amount as power as well.

 

[wahdangun]

if you want a video card for HTPC you should chose ati because based on wizz review ati have better image quality than nvdia.

and if you want light gaming too, why not go for HD 5670 LP card ?

 

[Sasqui]

I'd go for a 5770. Looking for one right now. Same situation, 2nd PC to sits next my LCD TV, using for music, movies and some gaming.

 

[JrRacinFan]

I'd go for a 5770. Looking for one right now. Same situation, 2nd PC to sits next my LCD TV, using for music, movies and some gaming.

If one can be found for $70 link me too!

 

[Dent1]

So if I don't game, any video card will do? By the way I'm Canadian, I'm not sure my power supply can handle the GTS 250 or the HD 4850. Other than DX11, are there any practical features that are different between the HD 4670 and HD 5550?

The HD 4670 and HD 5550 support HDMI outputs for video and audio, that is the biggest difference for HTPC. But performance wise they are a big step behind the GTS 250, but if you're not gaming any video card should do.

If you are worried about power consumption then maybe look into the cheapest 5670 or GT 240.

It really depends on what you classify as light gaming, the resolution, level of detail and types of games you might play. The 5750, 5770 or GTS 250 are the best choices price/performance for light gaming, the other cards mentioned are suitable for HTPC more. I think you'll get away with all the cards mentioned even with your current PSU.

Galaxy GT240 1GB $84
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814162043&cm_re=GT_240-_-14-162-043-_-Product

XFX 5670 512MB $92
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150466&cm_re=5670-_-14-150-466-_-Product

 

[Sasqui]

If one can be found for $70 link me too!

Ditto!

 

[CounterZeus]

If I had to pick one of the three cards, I'd go for the GT 240. XFX is a great brand!

 

[vibe123]

I think I'll be fine gaming at resolutions between 1280x1024 and 1680x1050.
I read from multiple forums/user reviews that people were having compatibility issues with Dell Inspiron 530 and GT240. Can anyone confirm these issues?

Also, have any of you guys been successful with Powercolor rebate?

 

[Dent1]

I think I'll be fine gaming at resolutions between 1280x1024 and 1680x1050.

I think on newer games you'd struggle to run them @ 1680x1050 even with a GT 240 and you'd really need cards like a GTS 250 1GB, 5750, 5770 at minimum for that type of resolution. However 1280x1024 seems more realistic for newer games.

I read from multiple forums/user reviews that people were having compatibility issues with Dell Inspiron 530 and GT240. Can anyone confirm these issues?

Compatibility issues? as long as the motherboard has a PCI-E slot it will work, any issues are software related. As long as you remove the old drivers from the integrated card before installing the latest driver from Nvidia's website for the GTS 240 you'd be fine.

 

[Master_Shake]

It depends on what games you are playing. Starcraft 2 which is coming out next week is being optimized for Nvidia cards so you can turn on AA, AF. I don't know what the difference would be with an ATI card though. With the current cards out there I would get a 5570 or 5670 if you want a card that doesn't use a lot of power and is good for light gaming. If you don't mind having a super powerful video card Fry's is having a special this week on a PNY 9800GTX+ 512MB card. They are regularly $125 and currently on sale for $100. There is also a $50 rebate so eventually the 9800GTX+ video card will cost you $50. the card runs around 140 watts which as about 80 watts more than the 5670 and 95 watts more than the 5570. Most games will work just fine with a 5570 or 5670 it's just those few games out their like Crysis Warhead or Metro 2033 that will be unplayable unless you turn the down the settings a bit.

http://www.frys.com/product/5806463

 

[$immond$]

Get a single slot 5770 you wont be dissatisfied.

 

[Delta6326]

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150450 its a decent price, very good brand, lifetime warranty

EDIT: holy crap sorry didn't realize how old this thread was :facepalm: