Graphics/Video Card recommendation help?

[altermann]

Hi! I'm new to the forum, I searched before asking but would like a recommendation for a video card based on my needs, so I'm hoping you guys can help me out...

I'm building a htpc, the main purpose will be to play HD videos (blu-ray, dvd, .avi/.mkv/.m2ts/.mp4 files) directly to my TV (Sony Bravia KDL-40S4100 1080p) via HDMI or streaming through my PS3/Media Server. I have a Intel D915VG mobo with a P4 processor, without RAM neither a PSU. I will put 2gb of RAM, and a 400/500w PSU, to get starting, and I am looking at these cards but I'm not sure if they are what I need, what do you think or what else do you recommend me?

- EVGA 8400 GS 512MB
http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-512-P1-N724-LR-GeForce-512MB-Graphics/dp/B001QMJ8Z4/ref=pd_cp_e_2

- EVGA 9400 GT 1024MB
http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-01G-P1-N948-LR-GeForce-9400-Graphics/dp/B002C94RVK/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1261041104&sr=1-13

Here are the mobo specs:
http://support.gateway.com/s/MOTHERBD/Intel2/WMEOEMD915GVAGLG3/WMEOEMD915GVAGLG3sp24.shtml

Hope you can help me, thanks in advanced.

Regards,
Mario.

 

[jsrudd]

You should check out newegg.com. I can't tell from the product page whether you need an AGP or PCI-e card, but you can get a 9400GT with only 512gb of ram for only $50 and $40 after a mail in rebate. You don't need 1GB of ram anyway since your not playing games.

 

[altermann]

I will check it out. My motherboard just has two PCI slots and one PCI-e x1 slot I think. Well I would like to play older games every now and then... So will 512MB on the video card will be enough to play HD movies smootly?