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Thread: new video card for movies

  1. #1
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    new video card for movies

    Hello all. I was wondering what kind of video card you recommend for someone who's primary use would be for watching DVD movies and maybe a couple games. Also, how much would something like this cost? It doesn't have to be top end, just inexpensive. Thank you for any comments!

  2. #2
    Extreme Member! BipolarBill's Avatar
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    Any current card can do that. If you want decent gaming, I would recommend any decent GeForce4 Ti4200. They start at less than $100 and will hold up a while more.
    MS MCP, MCSE

  3. #3
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    oooo ... if the main interest is watching DVD, then you're better off with a fanless, low to mid-spec Radeon. They have the better DVD assist hardware and video image filterytrickery than the GeForces.

    E.g. a Radeon 9600 non-pro or even SE. Provided you got at least a 4x AGP slot there.

  4. #4
    Extreme Member! BipolarBill's Avatar
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    Hmm - Peter has a point. ATi cards do have hardware DVD decoding built-in. Just be sure to select Hardware in the configuration of the DVD software you are using.

    Yep - the 9600 and 9600SE look pretty good.
    MS MCP, MCSE

  5. #5
    Ultimate Member iceblue's Avatar
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    Hardware DVD decoding is also on the GeForce 4 MX and FX series cards.

  6. #6
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    Only motion compensation. iDCT and advanced filtering are ATi exclusives (no wait, SiS have that too). That'll give you much less CPU load during DVD replay (and thus, potentially less noise if there is a regulated fan), as well as superior image quality, particular in bits with fast motion.

  7. #7
    Member saimyc's Avatar
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    I'm about the same, maybe less DVD, but very little gaming, the occasional game demo that comes with Maximum PC, mag

    Just got the FX5200 128 (Free from a friend)

    Abit siluro heat sink no fan

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