New video card for HTPC

[Video Head]

Hi all,

I am considering an HIS Radeon HD 5450 Silence for my HTPC. The video card has 1GB of GDDR3, HDMI and is PCI express x16. It would be connected via HDMI to my digital AV control center which outputs to my LCD TV and surround speakers. The HTPC is an Asus P5VM-HDMI mATX mobo, Core2Duo, 2GB RAM, Win7 Home Premium 32 bit in a Silverstone GD06B case.

I have been using the onboard Intel video via the integrated HDMI connector to the control center and it has worked well for the most part. The HTPC is used for BR/DVD playback, music, photos, etc. - no games. It is a livingroom system so it needs to be as quiet as can be and I would only consider passive cooling for the video card.

I guess my big question is what would I gain from adding this video card.

Thanks,

VH

[fritzi93]

Well, I have one. It's cheap and completely silent and does the job. I can play 1080p videos with MPCHC, DXVA enabled, and almost no load on the CPU. Mine is in my HTPC (see computer specs) connected via HDMI to my 65" LED. It has never run excessively hot, but my case is well-ventilated.

Since you specified you'll not be using it for games, it would be fully adequate.

[Slipster]

I guess my big question is what would I gain from adding this video card.

I don't know how it compares to your present solution, but THIS group test (and it's worth reading all of it) shows how well it performs compared to other discrete graphics cards. Just be grateful you're not an nVidia fanboy or you'd probably be in tears after reading it.

[Video Head]

Thanks for the replies. I did get this card a few weeks ago and it is working well. Easy install and fit into the small case, silent and did not add any heat to the system. Handles video well and also handles digital audio over HDMI with no problems. It was also on sale for $10 off so it was a good buy - or should I call it a "no tears solution"?

[p_l]

Any substantial difference between the HIS versions...

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX35629

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161354

http://www.amazon.ca/HIS-Radeon-HD5450-Silence-PCI-Express/dp/B00368CIBC


...and the ASUS versions ?

http://www.ncix.ca/products/?sku=55585