Primary Components of an HTPC, Part 6: Video Card/GPU
This is the sixth in a series of posts outlining the primary components of an HTPC or digital media server. See here for an index of the other entries so far.
As the capabilities of motherboard-embedded video chips (known as IGPs, or integrated graphics processors) become more and more powerful, it may soon become debatable whether an add-in video card should be considered a primary component of any computer system, even an HTPC. Some might argue we have already reached that stage. But with the amount of older systems being re-purposed for media use, not the mention the large number of motherboards still lacking HD-capable IGPs, I would say we’re not quite there yet.
Zeroing in on the right graphics card is a tricky process. Not only is the technology a fast-moving target, with new models coming out almost every month, but the sheer number of manufacturers and models available can easily overwhelm even a modestly well-informed buyer. Manufacturers often complicate things by not sticking to a linear, numerically consistent model-naming convention, so that a higher number is not always a better choice. Furthermore, there’s a lot of scuttlebutt out there regarding which of the two main chipset manufacturers (ATI or Nvidia) is the current reigning champ.
With that said, it is possible to narrow down your selection based on budget, intended display device (s), and interface. Listed below are the criteria you can use to differentiate your options.
Interface: This refers to what kind of slot on your motherboard the card is designed to fit into. You have three choices: AGP, PCI, and PCI Express (in 3 sub-varieties). Consult your motherboard documentation to determine which interface is compatible, but almost all new boards have a PCI-Express slot.
GPU: Graphics Processing Unit. The chipset or graphics platform that runs the card. Nowadays, this comes down to two options: Radeon (made by ATI) and Geforce (made by Nvidia).
Memory: Just like RAM, the more memory, the faster the card can perform.
DirectX: This mainly tells you, in general terms, what kinds of games the card can run. Try to get something capable of running Direct X 10 or you are buying into early obsolescence.
Output Ports: What type of connections and cabling the card will support. VGA (somethings referred to a DB9) is your standard, analog monitor port. It is almost always blue. DVI is a digital upgrade to VGA. More recent cards can also have composite, s-video, component and even HDMI jacks.
Max Resolution: The maximum resolution the card will support. This is important if you are planning to connect your HTPC to a high definition display.
Cooler: Does it have a fan or not. Fanless cards are silent, but the most powerful cards must have fans to keep them from overheating.
HDCP?: Is the card compliant with the High Definition Copy Protection scheme that would allow it to output high definition formats. There are ways around this limitation, but it’s best to get a HDCP compliant card to avoid any potential connection pitfals.
Upgrade your Video Card at Newegg.com
This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 at 10:36 am and is filed under Tech Checks. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.
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