Which video card for HTPC?

BurningSkyline

New Member
Just wondering what to use in a build that will be primarily a HTPC hooked up to a 48" LED LCD (1080p) and hopefully a 1080p projector in the next few years.
I would like to be able to play some older games at 1080p at good settings, which probably wouldn't be hard.
Games like GTA:SA, GTA:VC, FSX. Which are CPU hogs...
Along with NFS:MW, NFSU2, Etc.

I was looking at ATi's 5670, 5570, and 5450's.
Here is the case I was going to use, as well.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811204035

I just want to make sure it will fit. Just because I know you will ask about the cpu, I was looking for (of course) a Low Voltage Dual-core, So I basically have no clue.

Those who have helped me before probably think I'm a pain, but whatever.
 

linkin

VIP Member
some companies have single slot 5770's around, why don't you look at those? i had a 5770, they are worth the money. and a single slot one would be nice.
 

diduknowthat

formerly liuliuboy
Get a passive cooled card. This way you won't have to deal with fan noise. A 5770 is kind of an overkill for for HTPC. My 8400GS plays 1080p video flawlessly.
 

wag 42

New Member
I am in the process of building an HTPC as well. I grabbed an XFX 5770. Probably overkill, but I would rather have a bit more "power" rather than less.

It doesn't look as though depth will be an issue, but height may be. They don't give much information on their website.
 

Shane

Super Moderator
Staff member
Id get a HD 5450 1GB...anything higher would be overkill in an HTPC imo.

Asus do one thats Low Profile and fanless :)...also i noticed Asus used GDDR3 on their 5450,while XFX used GDDR2.
 
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Drenlin

Active Member
Should be fine, those games are pretty old. If you want you can get a passively cooled 5670.

They make those? Awesome.

A 5670 is plenty for most games, unless you absolutely have to have every setting turned to 11 and still get 80fps.
 

Drenlin

Active Member
If you can find an NZXT Panzerbox somewhere, that'd be good. Its design allows for huge components and low noise, but is still very space efficient. They're discontinued but you can still find them occasionally. You do a fan controller to slow the fans down, though...they're kind of noisy at full speed. (150cfm each though! :eek: )

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146056
 
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BurningSkyline

New Member
If you can find an NZXT Panzerbox somewhere, that'd be good. Its design allows for huge components and low noise, but is still very space efficient. They're discontinued but you can still find them occasionally. You do a fan controller to slow the fans down, though...they're kind of noisy at full speed. (150cfm each though! :eek: )

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146056
Its too wide to fit into my TV stand.

I need to find a case that will fit one of the Passively cooled HD 5670's, and possibly a sound card.

Here are the cases I'm Liking:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811204035
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163166
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144231
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163158
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811204035
 

Drenlin

Active Member
Out of those, I'm liking the Silverstones best. Looks like the only difference in them is the slot for the drive bat on the front. (The GD04B has it partially covered, while the GD05B has it open)

I'm curious, though...if the panzerbox is too wide, how are you going to fit these?
 

BurningSkyline

New Member
Out of those, I'm liking the Silverstones best. Looks like the only difference in them is the slot for the drive bat on the front. (The GD04B has it partially covered, while the GD05B has it open)

I'm curious, though...if the panzerbox is too wide, how are you going to fit these?

I just realized, when looking at them again, that they look bigger than i thought. I've never really been a fan of NZXT, and don't really like it, but.. I don't know.

I like the GD04B better, but will it fit a Passively cooled HD 5670, and possibly a Sound card?
 

diduknowthat

formerly liuliuboy

I have the silverstone case and it's excellent for HTPC. The 3 120mm fans that it comes with aren't the best but will probably be good enough. They also move quite a bit of air for their noise.
 

Drenlin

Active Member
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