Lowest AMD card for HTPC

Forceman

[H]F Junkie
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What's the lowest/cheapest AMD card (preferably passive) that would serve decent duty in a HTPC running XBMC? Right now I have a 7750 I cannibalized from my wife's machine, but it is serious overkill for what I am running.
 
if you want to do 3D, then a 6450 would be good, if no 3D then the 5450 is also a good choice. No gaming right?
 
if you want to do 3D, then a 6450 would be good, if no 3D then the 5450 is also a good choice. No gaming right?

No, just 1080p video. Thinking the 6450 might be the spot - I can get one on Amazon for about $30 (that $15 5450 doesn't appear on Amazon). Have to use Amazon because Newegg has such ridiculous shipping to Hawaii.
 
Looks like Amazon has a SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 5450 for $15 after rebate (exp 7/31) as well as free Super Saver Shipping... better get it quick before they raised the price back up again.
 
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What are the specs out of curiosity?

Does the motherboard or CPU not have integrated graphics? I remember the lowly onboard ATI HD3200 I had on one of my old HTPC's did 1080p video flawlessly, both Blu-ray, MKV rips, and Flash video. All while dramatically reducing heat and power requirements.

Just a thought! You gotta remember, onboard solutions are A LOT better than they used to be!
 
I'm using an old Pentium D on a G41 motherboard. It does have onboard, but no DVI or HDMI. I was debating just getting a new motherboard and CPU (probably something like an A6, just to keep my options open) but I figure a cheap video card would be just as well. I have an 8800GT I can use, but it won't boot with a DVI-HDMI cable installed for some reason.
 
Dumb question I'm sure, but have you tried both DVI ports? Does it boot if using just DVI? As far as I know the adapters are just that...adapters, no active chips or anything, should be just a straight wire adjustment.

I'd also say to see about selling your current gear and get some cheap all-in-one board. Most cheap usits have HDMI and can handle HD video perfectly fine all while producing a LOT less heat and using less power.
 
Yeah, I've tried both ports, and I also tried using an 8600GT I have lying around. DVI works to a monitor, so I think it may be TV related instead of video card/DVI related. The 7750 works just fine, which is why I was thinking of getting a cheaper AMD card. I would go the all-in-one route, but I'm not sure I want to put $100+ into it when I have a working CPU/motherboard/RAM combo (even if I could sell all that for $60 or so).
 
6450 has the latest video engine i believe, and 160 shaders to boot, probably the best option.
 
HD3200 can't do HD quality audio, if that matters.

He was talking about an on-board HD3200. I'm pretty sure if its onboard video, it wouldn't be doing the audio, and it would be pure on-board sound, which could/should have HD quality... Should work fine.
 
running a passively cooled 5450 in my htpc. works great.
 
He was talking about an on-board HD3200. I'm pretty sure if its onboard video, it wouldn't be doing the audio, and it would be pure on-board sound, which could/should have HD quality... Should work fine.

On-Board HD3200 can handle audio, just not TrueHD or MTS-HD. Most/all onboard soundcards don't do HD audio worth a shit if it's going to a newer reciever when compared to recieving an HD Audio signal, big difference.

I've built a few HTPC's with HD3200's
 
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