Cheap HTPC card with HDMI

[runswindows95]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within the next month

BUDGET RANGE: $50 before rebates - the cheaper the better

USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: HTPC card - for streaming Netflix to a 1080p TV over HDMI

CURRENT GPU AND POWER SUPPLY:

GPU -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814134080

PSU - Antec 400W with no PCIE connecters

OTHER RELEVANT SYSTEM SPECS: Motherboard is a ASUS P5LD2 R2.0 LGA 775 Intel 945P ATX Intel Motherboard with a Pentium E2200. Running XP with 3GB of RAM.

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: US

PARTS PREFERENCES: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125378 - This is the card I'm currently looking at


MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920X1080

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Right now, I'm using an HDMI to DVI cable to get picture, but the goal I want to achieve is also have the sound run through the graphics card so I can ditch the computer speakers that are hooked up and just use the TV's speakers. If my current GPU can do this , I would appreciate the tips on how to acheive this.

 

[pepe2907]

I am not experienced in the HTPC area at all, but I see many guys doing good builds oriented towards Quick Sync - meaning a i3 CPU a Hxx mobo and no graphics card at all - using the built in the processor Intel solution which has incredible video acceleration on VC1, h264 avc

 

[wintermint]

onboard graphics, llano, Intel 3000HD, 5670 are all good choices and should be suitable for your needs.

 

[ubercake]

Here's a good geforce 210 with HDMI for $40 before and $30 after rebates:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125296

Has the HDMI out to carry the sound to your TV.

 

[rwpritchett]

Any one of these entry-level cards will work for you:

Nvidia
Geforce 210
Geforce GT 220
Geforce GT 520

AMD
HD5450
HD6450

Pick one that is the least expensive with consistently good reviews:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=Property&Subcategory=48&Description=&Type=&N=100007709&IsNodeId=1&srchInDesc=&MinPrice=&MaxPrice=50&PropertyCodeValue=679%3A55197&PropertyCodeValue=679%3A49651&PropertyCodeValue=679%3A134354&PropertyCodeValue=679%3A49650&PropertyCodeValue=679%3A132951&PropertyCodeValue=685%3A9617&PropertyCodeValue=3209%3A23120

 

[runswindows95]

Best answer selected by runswindows95.

 

[runswindows95]

Thanks. I wasn't too far off on my thinking. I knew the newer ATI's did it, but wasn't certain overall. Now, just need to order one once I get paid again.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey