Best low power graphics card for HTPC (Dell t3400)

[bazpaul]

Hi guys,

Rather than throwing out an old Dell T3400 workstation - i thought I would set it up as HTPC. is this a bit overkill? it is a monster of a machine (in size). So to upgrade I initially need a new graphics card.

I searched high and low, and while I have found very nice cards for my monster (like the HD5450) most of them require a minimum 400W power supply - I have 375W.

I would love something with DX11, something that can handle 1080p streaming easily and something cheap $20-$50

Would love to hear of some recommendations

Thanks

 

[rolandzhang3]

Your PSU should be absolutely fine for a 5450/6450, they work fine with 250W units since they are extremely low powered cards for 1080p video playback

 

[bazpaul]

Hi, thanks mate.

I got confused because it says 400W or more recommended in their spec sheet - http://www.amd.com/uk/products/desktop/graphics/ati-radeon-hd-5000/hd-5450-overview/Pages/hd-5450-overview.aspx#3

Is the hd5450 a good option?

Any other recommendations to turn this PC into a htpc? (besides an ssd)

 

[rolandzhang3]

You could run a 7750 off a 300W unit so yeah

They always tend to overstate power requirements

The 5450 or 6450 are about the right choices for a HTPC, anything higher such as the 6570/6670 do bring about some decent performance boosts in light gaming

 

[bazpaul]

ahh ok great! Cool, i was just a bit worried.

hmmm how do i select yours a best answer

 

[rolandzhang3]

You made a discussion thread :lol:

No worries though

 

[bazpaul]

Dam you internet, you win again **shakes fist**