7900 GS or 8500/8600 for a media PC?

MrToilet

Weaksauce
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I'm building a computer for a friend, he will be using the computer for media storage (pictures, VHS to DVD, etc); the monitor he's using is a Samsung 226BW, res. 1680x1050 (I think). I'm trying to pick out a decent video card, priced under $150. He will not be using it for heavy gaming, it's pretty much strictly for media/business use, so DirectX 10 compatibility isn't a huge issue. Low noise and stability are what I need-

Here are the candidates!
7900 GS: $125 - $20 MIR = $105
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130056

8500 GT: $95 - $10 MIR = $85
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125062

8600GT: $143
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121076

8600GTS: $165 - $15 MIR = $150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130084

Any suggestions? I'm inclined right now for the 8500GT, but how's the performance compared to the other cards?

Thanks!
 
I have the 8500gt gigabyte and a 22inch lcd of my own and its absolutely wonderful for general usage. I came from a 7800gt. (its not as gaudy as it looks in pictures either.)
 
For a media pc, I'd pick either the 8500 or 8600 for their silent operation (the 8500 is pure passive and the 8600 is "super silent") and for being HDCP ready, and purevideo capabilities.
 
Thanks for the input- performance wise, will there be a noticeable difference using the 8600GT or GTS over the 8500GT, for video playback, DVD playback, editing, etc?
 
Thanks for the input- performance wise, will there be a noticeable difference using the 8600GT or GTS over the 8500GT, for video playback, DVD playback, editing, etc?

Yes, there can be. All 8600GTS cards come with HDCP support but it is option on the 8600GT and 8500GT. If you're planning on playing protected HD content then you'll need HDCP.

Also, keep in mind that you currently need to be running Vista in order to take advantage of PureVideo HD acceleration.
 
Yes, there can be. All 8600GTS cards come with HDCP support but it is option on the 8600GT and 8500GT. If you're planning on playing protected HD content then you'll need HDCP.

Also, keep in mind that you currently need to be running Vista in order to take advantage of PureVideo HD acceleration.

The 8500gt he has listed (which we have talked about) has hdcp support...
 
Also, keep in mind that you currently need to be running Vista in order to take advantage of PureVideo HD acceleration.



http://www.nvidia.com/object/IO_41448.html said:
PureVideo HD is available for Windows Vista. Support for PureVideo HD on Windows XP will be available in a future driver. Check NVIDIA.com for the latest information on driver updates.

Purevideo HD for the 8600/8500 support for XP is overdue - it was expected in June.
 
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