GPU (~$30-$50) suggestions for Conroe core 2 duo based HTPC?

DinosaurSoldier · Aug 6, 2013

I've got an old Conroe core 2 duo lying around that I want to turn into an HTPC running some distro of Linux (it's running Ubuntu 12.10 right now). I have a separate PC for gaming and stuff, so this one is only going to play back my media files on my TV. All I need is a linux-friendly video card with HDMI output for 720p playback on my 43" Samsung plasma TV. I'd like to spend around $30-$50 (the $50 is pretty firm--I'm a starving student).

I plan on building an i3 HTPC in the coming months, so this video card would just be a stopgap between now and then, but I wouldn't mind having a gpu that could beat the Intel HD 4000 graphics once I build my new rig (provided it fits in the specified budget).

I think the motherboard is the AsRock ConRoe1333-D667 R1.0
http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/ConRoe1333-D667%20R1.0/

The cards I'm looking at right now are
HD 6450
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121439
HD 6570
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102994

Any suggestions? thanks!

nvalhalla · Aug 6, 2013

Anandtech did an HTPC review. The 6450 did not get a good review.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4380/discrete-htpc-gpus-shootout/16

the relevant part is this:

If you prefer only AMD cards, the 6570 is the perfect HTPC card. The set of post processing options provided is very broad compared to what is provided by NVIDIA. All post processing options are enabled irrespective of ESVP, even for 60 fps videos. It has the highest HQV benchmark score of any HTPC-oriented GPU that we have evaluated so far. We didn't encounter any bitrate limitations with video playback. The pesky 23.976 Hz refresh rate may be a hit or miss depending on your setup, but it is way better than Intel's implementation. The lack of support for open source software developers and pricing relative to the NVIDIA GT 430 are probably the only complaints we can file against the 6570.

Someone Somewhere · Aug 6, 2013

Little bit old that review...

6570 is probably a good pick though.

nvalhalla · Aug 6, 2013

A little bit old that card.

Data is still relevant, not likely to find an HTPC review of the cards that's newer.

Someone Somewhere · Aug 6, 2013

I'm just saying that most of their objections are drivers, which have mostly been fixed. And are quite different on Linux.

DinosaurSoldier · Aug 6, 2013

So, in regards to the driver issues (other issues aside), would it be safe to assume that since the cards are old enough, those driver issues are likely to be solved for current ubuntu builds? Also, do you guys have any suggestions for NVDIA chipsets? I've read on a few forums that AMD tends to be better for Linux. Is this true? Are there any good NVDIA cards I should look at?

Someone Somewhere · Aug 6, 2013

I think AMD does generally have better drivers for Linux. The drivers should be very mature now.

nVidia's cards are usually more costly at a given performance. They also have less by way of built-in hardware decoding support IIRC.

Wolfshadw · Aug 6, 2013

I would note that, with the inclusion of the HD6570 folks have recommended, for strictly media playback (to include 1080p and blu-ray), your current system is more than enough for an HTPC.

-Wolf sends

Someone Somewhere · Aug 6, 2013

It's only got a VGA port. I think not.

Besides, my HTPC was having trouble doing blurays on X4500HD (built into G45 chipset). His is older and slower.

DinosaurSoldier · Aug 7, 2013

Thanks guys. Picked up a Sapphire 6570 for $50 off Amazon. We'll see how it goes.

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