NVIDIA GeForce 7300LE

[mccoady]

I don't know alot about video cards so the specs mean little to me but my son is wanting to run the DVI output of his 3 year old (I think) Dell desktop computer which has a NVIDIA GeForce 7300LE card into his Plasma via HDMI but I've been told I need to find out if his DVI output is HDCP compliant or it really won't work. I need to order a 35' run of DVI/HDMI cable to be able to make the connection so it would be nice to know it would work before I spent the money.

So would his DVI output be HDCP compliant? Thanks!




Mike

[budz]

It's not going to work because the video card isn't HDCP compliant. From what I've read only from the 8400 series and up is HDCP compliant. You could have easily done a google search on that video card to find out if it was HDCP or not.

http://www.nvidia.com/object/7_series_techspecs.html

Take a look at the specs of nvidia 7000 series video cards at newegg. None of them are HDCP compliant.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048+1305520548+1067...e=&srchInDesc=

[mccoady]

Thanks I did do some searching but as I mentioned above the specs don't mean anything to me but if you say it's not HDCP compliant I'll take your word for it.

The only other computer output I'm not using is an S-Video but unfortunately my Plasma only has one S-Video input and I'm already using it plus I don't know about running an analog signal 35'.

What would be the least expensive video card regardless of brand I could get that would be HDCP compliant and please don't tell me to google again since all video cards look the same to me. I don't even see at newegg or NVIDIA where it says whether they are or aren't, short of saying HDCP compliant or not HDCP compliant is there another spec that specifies that?

I'm assuming if your computer DVI output is not HDCP compliant that means you cannot stream video/movies to your tv HDMI input correct?

[redwudz]

If that set has a available component or VGA input, you could also use that. Either will be much better than a S-Video input.

The other thing you would have to look into is what type of video port you have on that computer for a video card. Older computers used AGP ports and you may not find many that would be HDCP compliant. Most video cards now are PCI-E. If you do have a PCI-E slot, then there's PCI-E X8 and PCI-E 2.0 X16. Though those should be interchangeable in the slot, though not in performance. The main difference between DVI and HDMI is HDMI has the audio on the cable. But it's easy enough to run a separate audio cable.

But the easiest way to find a HDMI compliant video card is to look for one with a HDMI adapter included with it that plugs into the digital DVI port. I use a PCI-E 2.0 X16 ATI 3870 video card to my HDMI projector. The ATI 4850 is popular at present. For Nvidia, probably something in the 8400 range or higher, as mentioned. These cards do some of the graphical processing, freeing up the CPU for other things.

I run HDMI about 40' to my projector with no problem. And I have ran VGA and component that far also. For decent cables at a good price, you might check out MonoPrice.com if you're not aware of them.

So you would need to know the capabilities of your Plasma TV and your computer.

[mccoady]

First of all I guess I made the mistake of going ahead and ordering a 35' HDMI/DVI cable today from Monoprice thinking if I found out my video card wasn't HDCP compliant I would cancel the order before Monday but heck they shipped it out UPS today which I didn't think they did on Saturdays. I suppose worst comes to worst I can always order a different cable.

Boy I don't know whether his computer which is a Dell Dimension E520 has AGP ports or PCI-E this is kind of greek to me. Here is the manual: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dime520/en/index.htm

My monitor is plugged into a VGA jack next to the DVI and there is another VGA jack upper right in the photo that had a blue cap on it but since it had a cap on it I wasn't sure I could use it or even if running VGA for that long a distance was a smart thing to do.

My son's Plasma will take either a VGA or HDMI cable.

My audio options are covered since he just got an Outlaw RR2150 receiver which has a USB input so he is already running audio from his computer to his receiver with outstanding quality.








So can you tell if his Dell E520 supports PCI-E and what are my options taking into consideration I already ordered a HDMI/DVI cable? Do I need to reorder another cable or look for an inexpensive HDCP compliant video card?

[yoda313]

The only type of computer graphics card that will be HDCP compatible is one that has an HDMI output. HDMI is the only connection type that is HDCP compatible.

Now just because the card has HDMI doesn't 100% guarentee it will be HDCP compatible but its a darn good start. Just look for the cards that have hdmi and verify whether or not it has hdmi AND hdcp.

Nvidia is a very good brand to use. Ati also.

[budz]

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dime520/en/OM_en/NH730A01.pdf

Look at page 111 of that link.

If you looked through that link you provided you would have seen that your son's HELL pc, oops! I mean DELL pc has a PCI-EXPRESS 16x video card.

I build a Q9400 system a few weeks ago and used a cheap $39.99 XFX Geforce 8400GS 512mb PCI-E video card which is HDCP compliant.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150355

If you don't trust the documentation from that dell link then open up the computer and look to see if it's PCI-E or AGP.

[mccoady]

Yes I just read in his manual where it says PCI-EXPRESS 16x video card.

Okay I've never installed a video card before so basically unplug the computer, remove the old card, install the new card and download the drivers. Anything else I should be aware of?

So it doesn't matter how many MB's or GB's or how many bits a card has as long as he wouldn't be using it for gaming I just need to find a card that says PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready Video Card?

[budz]

Yes, you can look for a video card that is HDCP compliant. It shouldn't matter if he's not going to use it for gaming purposes. The specs for that XFX video card is okay unless that dell pc that has a low wattage power supply. I believe the XFX card I linked recommends only a 300 watt power supply. If you don't wanna get that XFX card I linked to beware of other video cards power supply requirements.

Uninstall the drivers for the video card before you uninstall the card itself. Then unplug the pc and open up the case. Beware some pci-e video slots have a little lever that you may need to release to get the card out. Remove the old video card and install the new one. Other than that you're good to go. I used the XFX cd that came with the video card. You could download the latest nvidia drivers for it from their website. Some ATI video cards do have HDMI built into the cards or it uses a adapter. Just be careful of the power supply requirements. Also you could get a PCI-EXPRESS 2.0 x16 card instead of the PCI-EXPRESS 1.0 x16. It's interchangeable from what I read.

[mccoady]

Budz thanks for the help! I noticed his old card said it was 128 bits so I thought it might be important but if you say 64 bits is enough I can go with that since I don't understand what the difference in performance would be. Same goes for PCI-EXPRESS 2.0 x16 card vs PCI-EXPRESS 1.0 x16 performance wise.

Okay a google search revealed that the Dell E520 has a 305 watt power supply so the card you listed should work, it also said something about you could use up to a 8600GT.

I assume the XFX PVT86SYANG GeForce 8400 GS 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready Video Card you listed is better than his current card.

[johns0]

The only type of computer graphics card that will be HDCP compatible is one that has an HDMI output. HDMI is the only connection type that is HDCP compatible.

Now just because the card has HDMI doesn't 100% guarentee it will be HDCP compatible but its a darn good start. Just look for the cards that have hdmi and verify whether or not it has hdmi AND hdcp.

Nvidia is a very good brand to use. Ati also.

I have a 8800gt with dvi output and its HDCP compatible.

[budz]

Budz thanks for the help! I noticed his old card said it was 128 bits so I thought it might be important but if you say 64 bits is enough I can go with that since I don't understand what the difference in performance would be. Same goes for PCI-EXPRESS 2.0 x16 card vs PCI-EXPRESS 1.0 x16 performance wise.

Okay a google search revealed that the Dell E520 has a 305 watt power supply so the card you listed should work, it also said something about you could use up to a 8600GT.

I assume the XFX PVT86SYANG GeForce 8400 GS 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready Video Card you listed is better than his current card.

Your welx!
Yup the XFX Geforce 8400GS is a better card than the current one he has. As I said that XFX card is good enough for what he wants to use it for. You can use that HDMI/DVI cable that you ordered with that video card. You could go up to a 8600GT but you'll also have to upgrade the power supply. Because the 8600GT uses more power.
Here's a 8600 video card from newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130394

Here's a ATI card that has a HDMI built into it.
Asus ATI HD 4350, $19.99 after MIR of $15.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125251

I may buy that Asus one for one of my computers. It's cheap enough for me since I don't game at all.

[budz]

The only type of computer graphics card that will be HDCP compatible is one that has an HDMI output. HDMI is the only connection type that is HDCP compatible.

Now just because the card has HDMI doesn't 100% guarentee it will be HDCP compatible but its a darn good start. Just look for the cards that have hdmi and verify whether or not it has hdmi AND hdcp.

Nvidia is a very good brand to use. Ati also.

A video card that is HDCP compliant doesn't have to have HDMI output. Just because it doesn't have the HDMI output it doesn't mean it's not HDCP. Look at the Nvidia 8400 series and up they are all HDCP compliant but they don't have HDMI outputs on them. Although some of the ATI HD 4350 & up have the HDMI outputs.

[yoda313]

@budz and johns0 - really? I thought the whole idea behind HDMI was to force consolidation of the audio/video specs and requirements into one form factor.

THat is good then if dvi CAN be hdcp. You just have to be extra careful that the dvi card IS hdcp compatible.

[mccoady]

Budz I don't want to mess with upgrading a power supply so I'm getting ready to order either the XFX 8400GS or Gigabyte ATI you linked to since you say they will both work with my power supply.

His computer is running XP Pro and his Plasma is a LG 720P.

Price aside since rebates can go awry which one would you recommend between the two I need the easiest to install (I see the ATI is a low profile whatever that is and may be good or bad in my case) and the easiest software or drivers to use? I would be using the HDMI/DVI cable I ordered and also the VGA for his monitor.

Do both cards provide some sort of a stretch mode or would you even need that?

[budz]

Budz I don't want to mess with upgrading a power supply so I'm getting ready to order either the XFX 8400GS or Gigabyte ATI you linked to since you say they will both work with my power supply.

His computer is running XP Pro and his Plasma is a LG 720P.

Price aside since rebates can go awry which one would you recommend between the two I need the easiest to install (I see the ATI is a low profile whatever that is and may be good or bad in my case) and the easiest software or drivers to use? I would be using the HDMI/DVI cable I ordered and also the VGA for his monitor.

Do both cards provide some sort of a stretch mode or would you even need that?

Page 32 of the ATI HD 4350 card shows the HDTV display modes.
http://america.gigabyte.com.tw/FileList/Manual/vga_manual_gv-r455d3(r435oc)-512i_e.pdf

My preference would be getting the ATI HD 4350 since it's a low profile card which I'm going to purchase for my small form factor Silverstone SG01 case. Also it has the built in HDMI port on the card which is a good feature too. The only thing I didn't care for the XFX card is the heat that it put out. I've never had problems with mail in rebates. In fact the latest rebate I received came in the form of a Visa debit card from Corsair for a power supply I used in a build back in February.

[mccoady]

Thanks I just ordered the ATI HD 4350 I take it that a low profile card will just be easier to fit in my case.

Even though I've already ordered it are you sure it will be HDCP compliant through it's DVI output since it includes a HDMI output?

So say I've installed the card and drivers now when I connect the HDMI/DVI cable for the first time (between computer & Plasma) will it ask me anything or will any settings be done automatically?

After the initial setup and connections if I want to watch something being streamed from my computer to my Plasma will I merely have to choose the correct tv input or will I have to also change a computer setting to allow this?

[budz]

Thanks I just ordered the ATI HD 4350 I take it that a low profile card will just be easier to fit in my case.

Even though I've already ordered it are you sure it will be HDCP compliant through it's DVI output since it includes a HDMI output?

So say I've installed the card and drivers now when I connect the HDMI/DVI cable for the first time (between computer & Plasma) will it ask me anything or will any settings be done automatically?

After the initial setup and connections if I want to watch something being streamed from my computer to my Plasma will I merely have to choose the correct tv input or will I have to also change a computer setting to allow this?

My Sony 40 inch LCD TV has a PC setting so I just had it set to that input. If you look at the specs on the card it clearly states it's HDCP compliant. Only way you'll know if it works or not is to try it out. I don't know the specs of your plasma set. Hope your plasma is HDCP compliant as well. I do know that when I used a DVI/HDMI cable from one of my computers the pc had to be powered on when connecting the dvi/hdmi cable before it worked on my 40 inch LCD TV.

[mccoady]

His tv was bought at Xmas so I'm sure it's fine.

Yes the card clearly says it is HDCP compliant but I was hoping to know for sure before it was shipped if that meant it was over both DVI and HDMI outputs or only over the HDMI output.

I'd hate to have to do it but if it turns out not to be HDCP compliant over it's DVI and since I already have coming a HDMI/DVI cable can you get an adapter to connect the DVI cable end to the card HDMI output or would it even work?

[budz]

His tv was bought at Xmas so I'm sure it's fine.

Yes the card clearly says it is HDCP compliant but I was hoping to know for sure before it was shipped if that meant it was over both DVI and HDMI outputs or only over the HDMI output.

I'd hate to have to do it but if it turns out not to be HDCP compliant over it's DVI and since I already have coming a HDMI/DVI cable can you get an adapter to connect the DVI cable end to the card HDMI output or would it even work?

Here's a device you could use for full HD but that plasma you mentioned is only 720p so it wouldn't really matter.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812226015

The video card does have a HDMI output. IMHO you might as well use that if you're going to hook it up to the plasma tv which has a HDMI connection. Monoprice has HDMI extension cables if you need one.

[mccoady]

Thanks again for all your help budz I'll see how I get along after I get my new card.

[Kayembee]

I'm assuming if your computer DVI output is not HDCP compliant that means you cannot stream video/movies to your tv HDMI input correct?

Actually, no - it depends on whether the video is HDCP protected.

I also have a 7300LE, hooked via DVI->HDMI cable to our big HDTV as a secondary monitor.
Hi-Def works just fine, thank you. I have watched HD captured off the air with this hookup,
no problem.

On the other hand, if I had a Blu-Ray player on this PC, and tried to watch that on the big
TV, I assume this wouldn't work, since my hookup's not HDCP compliant.

Bottom line, it depends on whether the video you want to watch is HDCP-protected. If it is,
you need the new graphics card; if not, you don't.

Kayembee

[mccoady]

Wow it sounds like I didn't need a new card after all since we don't have Blu-Ray!

Would movies or tv shows streamed to your tv from Netflix, Hulu, or any shows streamed from the networks ABC, CBS, etc. be HDCP-protected?

Does the 7300LE card provide for different settings for both his monitor and Plasma?

[Kayembee]

Wow it sounds like I didn't need a new card after all since we don't have Blu-Ray!

Would movies or tv shows streamed to your tv from Netflix, Hulu, or any shows streamed from the networks ABC, CBS, etc. be HDCP-protected?

Does the 7300LE card provide for different settings for both his monitor and Plasma?

The network recordings I watched were not HDCP-protected, but my understanding
(corrections welcomed) is that digital broadcasts have the HDCP options, so I can't swear
you can get HDTV that way, but I'm betting you can. HULU I've never used, nor the streaming
feature of Netflix, so who knows? Easiest way to find out is to try things out, using your
7300LE, and seeing what works. If the things you want to see work, you saved a few bucks
on the new graphics card.

Yes, the 7300LE, using current Nvidia setup software, provides separate settings for the
two displays.

Kayembee

[redwudz]

Netflix uses DRM and only works with Windows Video Player, AFAIK. The Nextflix streamed video is such low quality that I haven't bothered to run it though my HDMI projector, but it should with no problem. OTA HDTV works fine also over HDMI.

Where I ran into problems with BD discs and HD MKV was not having enough video processing power, though the CPU is plenty fast. I added a ATI 3870 card and it works great now at 1920 X 1080 with my projector.

[mccoady]

Yes, the 7300LE, using current Nvidia setup software, provides separate settings for the
two displays.

I imagine the software or drivers for my son's 7300LE card are probably what was installed 2 1/2 years ago do you think they need to be updated? If so do you uninstall the old drivers first?

[xvaesthirxv]

Hey everyone. I just bought a new LCD tv, a Panasonic Viera 32 inch. I have the NVIDIA GeForce 7300SE/7200 GS video card (I think it's actually the 7200 GS since the pic matches that).

I tried to connect my computer to my tv and of course it's just a half screen of static and nothing else. So I was reading this board, does the advice also apply to me? My sister was the one who got my video card and put everything together for me so I'm kind of computer-retarded myself.

So basically, if I buy this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150355
the 8400, have my sister put it into my computer, then use the cable and connect it to my tv, it will then work on my tv?

Please let me know when possible, either on here or at my email timw.405 at gmail.

I am very anxious to watch my Wolverine and the X Men episodes from my computer to my new tv! : )

And how do I know which card will fit into my computer?

On the specs for the 7200 GS is says "HDCP 1-1" on some site, what in the world does that mean? For the 8400s it says "HDCP 1."