which ATI to choose?

[eladtan]

Hey all,

I'm finishing building my HTPC now (it's going to be an HTPC only no gaming is going to be preformed on it) and the only thing I have left to choose is my graphics card. I want to buy a card from ATI's new line since they offer an HDMI output and good video rendering. My question is if I have only media puposes will the 2400 series be enough or should I get a 2600?

 

[Valdis]

definetly get 2400 with passive cooling (there are some models with pasiive cooling, dont remember which)

 

[shargrath]

i think you maybe able to get a passively cooled 2600PRO go with that if you want

 

[rammedstein]

i say 2600Pro, it should be quiet enough for htpc and has the little bit of extra power if you need it, also, it is still very affordable.

 

[eladtan]

Thx, I think I'll go with an 2600pro but I hav a question about it. It says that this card has integrated 5.1 audio on it but I see it only has a DVI-I output, how to I get sound out of it?

 

[rammedstein]

using the dvi-> hdmi connector it comes with.

 

[eladtan]

and where will the connecter get the sound from? the DVI port doesn't output sound

 

[rammedstein]

it just works , thats how ati does it and it just works.

 

[eladtan]

I saw that the adapters only comes with the 2600XT model, is there anyway I can purchase the adapter separately? I saw ads for DVI to HDMI adapters but do they carry the sound or does only ATI's adapter do that?

 

[eladtan]

And if there is such an adapter can you please recommend a good one....

 

[gramps]

ATi would supply the adapter. Sound from the videocard goes out via the DVI out using the spare bandwidth (dont think it'll work in super-hi res, like 2560xwhatever, but 1920 whould be fine) and through the HDMI adapter - presto. Thought that was quite clever of them myself...

 

[TheGreatGrapeApe]

I saw that the adapters only comes with the 2600XT model, is there anyway I can purchase the adapter separately? I saw ads for DVI to HDMI adapters but do they carry the sound or does only ATI's adapter do that?

You can only use an ATi adapter to bring the Audio along the HDMI cable.

All models can come with the adapter, it just depends on the OEM partners and what they include in their packaging.

There's a passive HD2400XT on NewEgg with the adapter;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102699

Otherwise you can order it directly from ATi/AMD for $7;
http://shop.ati.com/product.asp?sku=3526142