Can I use GFX card on first boot?

[Coastaltuba]

I know it probably sounds stupid, but I'm using my tv with an hdmi cord as my monitor, but my motherboard has no gfx integrated. My question is, can I boot and get picture on the tv, using the HDMI from the GFX card (HD 6770)? If not, do I need to get a different mobo?

 

[lowriderflow]

yes... if your motherboard doesnt have onboard video, it defaults to your video card. it will look terrible on first boot until you install drivers and adjust settings... but it should output from your 6770 on first boot

 

[Coastaltuba]

Okay, that's a relief...I was worrying about it. Do you think that the 6770 is a good card? My budget is $140, but I saw that everyone was talking about it, so I got it.

 

[wcarthurii]

most definitely and when your talking AMD, the idea behind the hdmi was using such as an HTPC, hence the over the video card audio.

so either should work on first boot.

 

[Coastaltuba]

What, so does my GFX card have sound? I don't really understand. Not your fault, I'm pretty new to all this.

 

[vvhocare5]

The graphics card will pass sound over its HDMI connection for TV's. The GPU needs sound drivers to pass the audio down that wire. The drivers do nothing for you if you use VGA or DVI cables as they do not allow for sound.

 

[Coastaltuba]

okay...how is realtek audio on motherboards? Is it any good? or do I need to buy a dedicated sound card?

 

[rvilkman]

It's good enough, so the basic principle is that try it first and if you are not satisfied with it, then get a card.

 

[someguynamedmatt]

It's okay, nothing more, nothing less. It produces basic audio that will sound just fine to someone who has never heard a good dedicated sound card firsthand, or who doesn't have a high-end audio setup or headphones. As has been said, try it first - some people like it, some people don't. It really depends on what you're listening to it through.

Just don't be alarmed on your first boot. There will be only minimal drivers, not including your graphics card drivers. It'll be in something like 640x420 resolution or something (never really stop to check...) with EVERYTHING disabled. Once you get Catalyst Control Center on there, you can max your resolution out and turn Aero on. Then you're in business.

 

[Coastaltuba]

How do I get Catalyst Control Center on it?

 

[Coastaltuba]

Best answer selected by Coastaltuba.