HTPC hd2600 upgrade

[Sublimate]

I have been running a HD2600 in my HTPC for a few years and am looking to upgrade to a card that does HDMI mainly to pass audio and a cleaner setup. I know I can buy the adapter for the card but I would rather spend the $20 something towards a updated card.

All this system is used for is Media center and hosting all my media on the network. no gaming.

This runs 24x7 so I tried to make it low power. My current setup :
AMD x2 4850e
ATI 650 tuner PCie
Hauppauge 1600 PCI
ATI HD2600 PCIe

I have been eying the 4550 since I can get it fan less with a built in HDMI for around $50. Is this a decent card, No games but the occasional HD dvd or blue ray movie.

Thanks!

 

[JofaMang]

Get a native HDMI port equipped 4350. Passive cooling for no added fan noise, excellent HD performance, and low price.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127436
19.99 (after $15 MIR) and free shipping.

 

[Sublimate]

Hmmmm.... Looking at some of the customer reviews on newegg looks like the MSI 4350 heat sink can block the PCI port next to it...... I like the price!

I need to verify, but my i think my mATX has a 2nd PCI slot.

I'm at work and cant remember the MB model number.

 

[JofaMang]

There are other options if you just search 4350 on newegg. I think the Gigabyte model was 24.99 after it's own MIR.

They are generally about 35-45 before shipping and MIR.

 

[rwpritchett]

Also, keep in mind that the HD5xxx low and mid-end cards are due out in 1Q 2010. Maybe hold out for a fanless HD5350/HD5550?

 

[Wolfshadw]

Thanks rwpritchett.

I'm in the same boat as the OP w/ an HD2600 and I was wondering when the mid-range HD56xx's were coming out.

-Wolf sends

 

[rwpritchett]

From Legion Hardware:

Also planned are some 32nm graphics cards for the first quarter of 2010, as AMD start using this new manufacturing process with their low-end products, as they often do. The Radeon HD 5670 (Redwood XT), Radeon HD 5650 (Redwood PRO) and Radeon HD 5550 (Cedar XT) are all 32nm budget parts that should run extremely cool and consume very little power.

Every source I find says both the low and mid cards HD5xxx cards are due out in 1Q 2010. Of course that could mean January or it could be as late as March 2010.