GPU for HTPC & Gaming...

[bob4432]

i have been out of the loop for quite some time and nothing has made me upgrade, but it is time now to upgrade the video card so i can use the htpc for gaming. it is a basic machine running win7, 4GB ram, a dual core - a bit older, am2/pentium core 2 series @ ~3GHz. would like to be able to game the newer bfbc2/v and company of heroes @ decent fps (+40fps) along w/ bf3 too when it comes out @ 1680x1050 or so - medium quality.

would also like the ability to connect into the tv via hdmi - are there any issues doing this? any hdcp issues?

not brand loyal so wichever offers the better bang and drives for the buck is a bonus. also have a 400W psu w/ 15A on the 12V line, so lmk if that will suffice.

thanks,
bob

edit - it needs to be able to fit in a smaller case w/ the low-profile mount

 

[happy medium]

Are you sure it only has a 15 amp line? You choices will be very limited with that weak psu.

 

[bob4432]

Are you sure it only has a 15 amp line? You choices will be very limited with that weak psu.

positive. it may be a bit older because it shows 30A on the 5V line and 28A on the 3.3V line. could probably get a newer unit - something like an antec, seasonic, fsp w/ 20-30A on the 12V line if needed. wasn't sure if the gpus are more efficient now or stil need quite a few A.

 

[Attic]

I'd do some reading up on the 6850/6870 and the GTX460 and see what tickles your fancy.

I have an odd issue with my GTX460 when it connects to my TV via HDMI. The screen gets a permanent pixelation in some apps and it's very distrating (games, some other programs like Windows Media Center). This has been confirmed by a few other users and appears to be isolated to some Sony Bravia sets when run with nVidia drivers. If I go through my reciever i'm fine. Something to keep in mind since you mentioned hooking up to a TV.

Either of the cards will do great for gaming at medium quality levels and your res. For BFBC2 multiplayer I have read from dual core users that frames suffer. I've gotten the strong impression that quad core is needed for decent multiplayer on that specific title.

 

[happy medium]

am2/pentium core 2 series @ ~3GHz.

Can you be more specific? Is it a core 2 duo or a Athlon 64 x2. Is it a pent D cpu?
This information is important in helping you chose a card.

Yes, a good name brand psu with about 450 watts and a 30 amp rail is the norm now.

here is a good 50$ Corsair psu...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139018

 

[happy medium]

AND

here is the best low profile card I could find for the money. A gts450 low profile card for $130.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814261078

 

[bob4432]

Can you be more specific? Is it a core 2 duo or a Athlon 64 x2. Is it a pent D cpu?
This information is important in helping you chose a card.

Yes, a good name brand psu with about 450 watts and a 30 amp rail is the norm now.

here is a good 50$ Corsair psu...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139018

i am not too concerned about getting more gpu than the cpu as the gpu will move when i upgrade, so i am not buying really for this cpu, if that makes sense

 

[bob4432]

AND

here is the best low profile card I could find for the money. A gts450 low profile card for $130.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814261078

nice, any idea how that would compare to my other machines 4850? w/ same basic hardware? again, been out of the scene for 6mos +

 

[gaban]

the performance is about the same but with lower power consumption and dx11 support which will be supported by bf3. With your your resolution it should be decent enough card. The cpu shouldnt be any problem unless you are using pentium D which will bottleneck your pc. Psu also shouldnt be any problem as it can give more than enough power to the card.

 

[Vdubchaos]

460 or 6850

You might have to upgrade your PS, but I would try it first...

 

[bob4432]

gts450 low profile card looks like the card - any other suggestions?

 

[rockyjohn]

Since you are leaning toward the GTS 450, you might like to review the anandtech review on several GTS 450 cards:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/3917/...ga-palit-and-calibre-overclocked-and-reviewed

[removed]http://www.upgradevideocards.com/

 

[Arkaign]

In my experience, it's best to forget about the really slim/sff cases for HTPCs that do double duty as gaming setups. The limitation in video card choice and expense in replacing tiny odd PSUs is just too high. Going microATX is what I recommend in that situation, as you can still use a good normal PSU and decent video card. The GTS450 won't be able to handle much gaming at 1080p without cranking down the settings a bit, and won't last nearly as long as the closely priced GTX460 or HF6850.

 

[Ataristic]

GTS 450 Sonic from platinum is excellent value, but only if its under $120, above that, its best to get a GTX 460 768mb. I have a GTS 450 and a GTX 470 from Palit, and i really like their custom cooling solutions, very quiet, the 450 is almost silent and performs on par with the much noisier reference HD 5770