New build- advice on graphics card

[rdiz]

Hey there, first post here but I have a quick question. For one of my courses we have to build a computer from the ground up. So I bought all the parts myself, an i5 2300, 4GB DDR3, and a MSI PH61A-P35 motherboard. For the class we are installing Linux but once the semester ends I'm going to end up putting Windows on it and turning it into my gaming/HTPC rig. I'm looking for some advice on whats a good mid-range graphics card (<$100, preferably). Thanks for the help.

 

[rolli59]

HD5670/6670 would fit that budget but sometimes you can get GTS450 or HD5750/6750 in that price range.

 

[aznshinobi]

^+1
I would suggest getting the AMD cards mainly because the lower end Nvidia cards are just power hogs. I.E GTS 450 consumes more than the 6750.

Oh the main reason I say that, you said you want it to be for an "HTPC/Gaming" build and the HTPC thing means less power I would assume, but if you don't mind power consumption the GTS 450 is good too.

 

[rdiz]

^+1
I would suggest getting the AMD cards mainly because the lower end Nvidia cards are just power hogs. I.E GTS 450 consumes more than the 6750.

Oh the main reason I say that, you said you want it to be for an "HTPC/Gaming" build and the HTPC thing means less power I would assume, but if you don't mind power consumption the GTS 450 is good too.

I have a 430w Thermaltake PSU, so I think there's plenty of room left considering the only other things that draw power are a DVD burner and 7200rpm hard drive.

 

[aznshinobi]

^ No I meant like power usage. If it is an HTPC that'd mean you were leaving it on for a long duration. Lower TDP would reduce the amount of power you use on your power bill.