Which Video Card???

[SilverHemi03]

I have searched this forum and can't find the answer.

I am building an HTPC primarily to offload HD content from my Comcast Moto 6412.

I want to be able to display the recording on a Sammy DLP via VGA.

There is a lot to read about the capture cards for HDTV, but at present I have the Moto dula tuner and an OTA STB with HDMI amd component out.

The gamers in my IT department are telling me not to go less than 256K of DDR3 on the card, so I see a good selection in the $250 to $400 range. I am postponing any decision on a PCI capture card for the moment.


System

Dell OptiPlex GX 260 w/ P42.4G 512K, 533, Socket N, C1 processor.
Chipset is an Intel 845G so the AGP slot is 4x

I have added the following:
Audigy 2 Platinum w/ firewire
500w power supply w/ silent fans
200G HDD

Next I want a good video card to view HD content on the Sammy.

Thanks for your opinions!

[johnm_10]

Most posts I've seen say the best video card for htpc right now is the nvidia 7800. They're not cheap.

ATI has some new cards just out x1k series that is supposed to beat the pants off of anything if you listen to their marketing. Unfortunately their drivers aren't up to par yet so it's a roll of the dice right now.

[Rfutscher]

When I picked a card for my HTPC I chose a fan less card, just to keep the noise down. I don't think you need the fastest or greatest that would be needed for a gaming machine.