What's the best video card for around $100?

[alphacoyle]

I'm building a computer that will be used for general internet browsing and watching movies (mainly streaming.)

 

[Shayshunk]

Well then the Nvidia GTX 550 should do quite well, if you're not planning to play too many games or expect them to run at ultra.

 

[axew]

For movie watching and browsing the integrated graphics is enough, but if you do want to play games sometimes get something like HD 6670/HD6770.

 

[xtreme5]

550ti will keep you happy with same price of 6770

 

[alphacoyle]

So, it sounds like the Nvidia GTX 550ti is the way to go then.

 

[Sunius]

GTX 550 Ti is overkill for what you want to do. I wouldn't get anything more expensive have HD 6670 for your needs. Or even better, stay with integrated and invest in an SSD. Will make you way happier for your needs.

 

[alphacoyle]

GTX 550 Ti is overkill for what you want to do. I wouldn't get anything more expensive have HD 6670 for your needs. Or even better, stay with integrated and invest in an SSD. Will make you way happier for your needs.

So, I'm really not going to notice any improvement in video quality with a dedicated card over integrated? If so then sure I won't get one. Would intel's hd2000 integrated video (like on a 2120 motherboard) be ok?

 

[jaguarskx]

Generally speaking, a video card will not improve overall quality of streaming video. The quality is usually limited by how the video was encoded so that the video file size is small enough to stream.

I've heard that the Intel HD 2000 might hic-up once in a while when playing a Blu-Ray movie, but streaming video should not pose any problems.

Certain video cards can present video better than others. Usually the lowest end cards like the HD 6450 lacks some algorithms found in the slightly higher end HD 6570 and HD 6670, but you'll probably need them side by side to notice any difference. Going beyond a HD 6570 / HD 6670 to like the extreme high end HD 6990 will basically result in the same video quality. The applies to nVidia cards.

 

[Sunius]

So, I'm really not going to notice any improvement in video quality with a dedicated card over integrated? If so then sure I won't get one. Would intel's hd2000 integrated video (like on a 2120 motherboard) be ok?

Discrete video card does not affect video quality. It just works faster, and that faster is only needed for games. Intel HD 2000 and HD 3000 will be more than enough for EVERYTHING you do that isn't 3d modelling or gaming.

Furthermore, what is your budget? You said you were going for i3 2120, and what other components? Where are you from?

 

[sunnk]

for those things that u wanna do get the hd 6670 or gt 440 or hd 6570.

 

[alphacoyle]

So is the 6670 better than a geforce 8800GT for my needs?

 

[Sunius]

Geforce 8800 GT will be more than enough. It's at about same level as HD 6670. You can check graphics card hierarchy chart here:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/gaming-graphics-card-review,review-32442-7.html

But as I said, don't go nuts for going for better card - invest in something else - it will pay off more

 

[alphacoyle]

Geforce 8800 GT will be more than enough. It's at about same level as HD 6670. You can check graphics card hierarchy chart here:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/gaming-graphics-card-review,review-32442-7.html

But as I said, don't go nuts for going for better card - invest in something else - it will pay off more

Yeah ok, how about a cheap card like the hd6450 or GeForce 210 just to have something better than the integrated video?

 

[Sunius]

They will work, but why would you stay away from integrated solutions? They are decent enough for EVERYTHING that is not gaming and 3d design.

Also, Intel HD 3000/2000 is more powerful than GeForce GT 210.

 

[alphacoyle]

They will work, but why would you stay away from integrated solutions? They are decent enough for EVERYTHING that is not gaming and 3d design.

Also, Intel HD 3000/2000 is more powerful than GeForce GT 210.

Because I've been told by some members that the hd2000 is not good enough for 1080, but I've also read that it is, and actually I am of the opinion that the hd2000 is going to be fine for our use, if I put a g850 or similar processor in it.

 

[Sunius]

It will be enough. What is your budget? What are you planned parts in the HTPC?

 

[alphacoyle]

It will be enough. What is your budget? What are you planned parts in the HTPC?

I'm thinking around $500 & maybe putting something like an a4 Llano, 8gb ram, and a 160gb ssd.

 

[Sunius]

How about this build?

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/8xQm

One thing to note: Intel sandy bridge HD2000/3000 graphics support maximum resolution of 1080p. If you are getting a bigger monitor (like 2560x1600), you'll have to either get a discrete card, or move up to ivy bridge.

Also, I would not go for AMD CPUs, they are very subpar for their price. Lastly, I could not find any 160 GB ssd that was cheaper than this 240 GB.

 

[alphacoyle]

How about this build?

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/8xQm

One thing to note: Intel sandy bridge HD2000/3000 graphics support maximum resolution of 1080p. If you are getting a bigger monitor (like 2560x1600), you'll have to either get a discrete card, or move up to ivy bridge.

Also, I would not go for AMD CPUs, they are very subpar for their price. Lastly, I could not find any 160 GB ssd that was cheaper than this 240 GB.

We will be staying with this 1080 monitor so that's no problem. Your build looks great but would it all fit in this case instead http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811148048&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Cases+(Computer+Cases+-+ATX+Form)-_-Logisys+Computer-_-11148048
I've had some members suggest going with a g620/g850 w' a hd6670; you really think this 2120 is better than that or the Llano a4 for htpc?

 

[Sunius]

It's faster. Which means it's better. Personally, I don't see ANY need for going with a discrete graphics if you can help it.

And yes, it will fit into that case easily.

 

[alphacoyle]

Best answer selected by alphacoyle.