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Using Inspiron 530 as Home Theater PC - What Video card?
What video card should I use to make my Dell Inspiron 530 into a home theater, without upgrading the PSU? I already have an ASUS "My Cimema-PE9400 Combo" PC TV Card that fits into the 1x PCI-e slot, and I don't know how much power that will use.
Basically, I need something that will connect to the tv and have up to 1920×1080 resolution, preferably via an HDMI output, and since it's an HTPC, preferably a card that is silent (doesn't need a fan.)
Any other ideas for making this cheap computer into a basic HTPC would be apreciated as well. I'd like to install XBMC on it, probably with Linux, if I can find an XBMC or XBMC software package that supports a tuner. Adding a BD drive is something I might do in the future as well of course.
RobinBredin
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August 16th, 2010 04:00
Hi rrostie, There are 2 cards that come to mind, one being the 4650 HERE, the other being the 5670 HERE.
rrostie
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August 15th, 2010 23:00
So far the best bet is the Radeon HD4350, probably the ASUS model EAH4350 Silent though there's lots of different models that probably work.
rrostie
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August 17th, 2010 14:00
Great, thanks! Both of those, especially the latter, look like they would work.
freakmarket
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August 18th, 2010 10:00
I dont know about Linux because i use Windows Media Center that support BluRay natively in Windows 7 but i would expect any of the ATI 5000 series would get the job done ... 5670 being my first choice just in case you ever decide to play any games. I use a ATI 4650 in my 530 that is hooked up to my TV.
Kazem.Peet
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February 12th, 2011 14:00
Thanks for your analysis! It's comprehensive, I got more deep understanding about this part, It is just the solution for my problem.