Revamping an old HTPC

tcisme0

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Jul 10, 2014
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Hey everyone, I have an old gateway media center pc (GM5260) that I'm trying to revamp and was wondering what would be a good graphics card to purchase for it. As far as needs, I just use it to occasionally browse the web on my couch and to watch TV/DVDs/Blu-rays n stuff like that So id like the best picture quality and to be able to watch in 1080p w/out buffering n other nuances. Its specs are:

CPU: Core2duo e7600
P965 NB and ICH-8DH SB
RAM: 8GB DDR2 pc-6400
PSU: Stock 350W PSU but also have a 500W PSU if needed
Os: Windows Vista Ultimate-64bit

Also I was wondering if it'd be worth it to get a small (like 64GB SSD) even though it only supports SATA 2, and if anyone had any suggestions for one

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this by the way. Any feedback is greatly appreciated
 
Solution
Probably a $50 card will do it. At least something as good as modern integrated graphics.
I might suggest this EVGA GT630
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130792
Should run fine on your 350w psu.

I love the ssd. It makes everything you do feel so much quicker. 64gb is a bit small for a "C" drive. Other files will want to go there and a ssd will slow down and lose endurance. 120gb at least.
I would buy Samsung EVO or Intel. Sata 2/3 is not a big deal. Most of what you do will be small random I/O and that is equally fast on both.
Probably a $50 card will do it. At least something as good as modern integrated graphics.
I might suggest this EVGA GT630
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130792
Should run fine on your 350w psu.

I love the ssd. It makes everything you do feel so much quicker. 64gb is a bit small for a "C" drive. Other files will want to go there and a ssd will slow down and lose endurance. 120gb at least.
I would buy Samsung EVO or Intel. Sata 2/3 is not a big deal. Most of what you do will be small random I/O and that is equally fast on both.
 
Solution