Video card recomendations?

[tomper]

Hi

What's the lowest spec AGP graphics cards (any brand) that support VMR9, hardware assisted MPEG decoding, passive (or, at least, quiet) cooling and, preferably, two monitors as well as TV out? My ancient ATI 7000 just isn't cutting it in GBPVR so it's time to upgrade but I don't want the cost or need the 3D performance of the latest cards.

Thanks
Tom

[Torque]

It's not the lowest spec card, but it works really good for me: Geforce 6600 256MB passively cooled. Although, it is the lowest spec card nVidia has that supports all their purevideo features. It has s-video, component, composite, DVI connections.
Here's a link to the one I got:
http://us.giga-byte.com/VGA/Products/Pro...6256DP.htm
I bought it from Pcalchemy.com but it appears they don't carry it any longer.

[folkboat]

My GBPVR system is also running an ATI 7000 (32mb) card.
Just wondering what a new video card might do for the performance and image of GBPVR? Not a gaming system - just running GBPVR and serving 2 MVP's.

AMD AthlonXP 2000+
512mb
PVR 150
on-board sound AC97 audio
GBPVR primary 40gig
Recordings 80gb
2 MVP's hardwired

[capone]

I just got and like this one:
XFX PVT44AWANG Geforce 6200 256MB 64-bit DDR AGP 4X/8X Low Profile Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6814150107

$63, w/ d-dub, dvi and s-video. The specs/reviews will lead you to the conclusion this is a great pvr card, but a so-so un-overclockable game card. I got this for a pvr-only, and not only does it perform great, the sys is dead-silent now.

[herbs]

The geforce 5200 does vmr 9 but I would suggest the 6200 like the others have stated but with 128mb if you can as 256mb is utterly wasted on the 6200.

[metaphorplay]

depends on whether you need a PCI, AGP, or PCI-E video card. Big difference. PCI seems to go up only to fx5200 in nVIDIA processors, don't know about ATI based GPUs.

Since you said AGP [missed that the first time around] I would check out noise reviews of videocards here and on the forums at HTCnews.com...also newegg sometimes has good info in their reviews. Better to get a heatpipe card without fan if noise will be a problem in your HTPC location...

Also don't forget that the TV-out quality can vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Here and HTPC they also review that. Stay away from anything that gets a negative review on TV-out quality.

I've been doing this same search. Currently I'm leaning toward a PCI-based Apollo fx 5200 for an older PC with no AGP/PCI-E slot. Available at new egg for $60 ish; only PCI card there with no fan, just heatpipe cooling for quiet.

Pcalchemy specializes in components for the HTPC market. if they carry it, it is likely quieter and better quality.

[Maelwys]

I second Capone's vote for the 6200. I just picked up a Leadtek AGP 6200 off Newegg and it performs outstandingly in my PVR. I've used it for running Mame as well with some classic titles and it runs great. YMMV with newer games though.

[tomper]

Thanks for all the replies

I notice that no one uses ATI based cards. Are they that bad?

I have a question about purevideo. Is it worth the extra money? Can other decoders (such as cyberlink) take advantage of any of the hardware features of Nvidia cards?

Tom

[sub]

I notice that no one uses ATI based cards. Are they that bad?

I'm using two ATI cards (X800 and 9250), and I'm very happy with them.

[two55309]

i'm using a x1300 (pci express). its passivly cooled and has 256megs of ram. Works great and can tell a difference from the nvidia 6200 i used to have(apg)