Need advice re: new video card choice for HTPC

[DingDingDao]

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy a new video card for my HTPC, which is connected to a Panasonic 42" HD Plasma unit. I've decided to buy ATI, mostly because it has a component video output dongle, and I've used ATI cards in my last 3 computer builds.

The question I have concerns my future uses for this card. Obviously, I want to be able to watch DVDs, and having PVR and time-delay capabilities would be nice (but not essential). More importantly, I want to game with this card, and it's important that this card be capable of playing high performance games in the future (Doom 3, HL2, etc. etc.)

I'm considering 3 options right now:

1) AIW 9600XT
2) AIW 9800Pro
3) 9800Pro, 9800XT, or X800XT + HDTV Wonder

Obviously, the first option is by far the most inexpensive, and so it is my first choice, but I'm concerned about the chip. Can the 9600XT run a Doom3 or HL2 at high resolutions (1280 x 720 at the least) at playable frame rates? Or should I just give in to my wallet-destroying desires and get the X800 and HDTV wonder? I'd like to spend less, if possible. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks all.

 

[dave_graham]

the 9600XT will run HL2 and Doom3 horribly (based on what i've read and the purported system requirements)....i'd advise the 9800 Pro AIW or holding on and getting the high-end card...just my opinion.

cheers,

dave