Recommendation, Please

[negril]

I just purchased a ZT Systems desktop with an AMD Pentium II x4 955 (3.2 ghz) processor. The system has 8g ddr3 and a 1.5t 7200 rpm drive and AMD 760G/SB710 chipset. Unfortunately the system only has onboard video (ATI Radeon HD 3000) and a 300W power supply. I have 8 channel audio capability. I really don't want to change the power supply because of warranty concerns. Is there a graphics card you can suggest that would work with the limited power and which will give me reliable 1080P w/sound to my home TV? I have an available PCIe x16 slot available (as well as one PCIe x1). I have no problem adding a fan if necessary if that would help. I'm not a gamer but I'd like a display that would match the attributes of what I think is a pretty nice system. I have two HD monitors, also, w/ dvi input. I'd like to have HDMI, DVI and Dsub connectors. Please keep in mind that in the near future I plan to add a TV tuner card and use the computer as a media center. I also need some suggestions on the tuner card. I would like to use the computer as a DVR. I don't want to spend any more than necessary on these cards but I also don't want to skimp and be sorry later. Thanx for your suggestions.

 

[jyjjy]

That would be fine. The lack of fan means less noise which is a good thing. The card doesn't produce much heat.

 

[jyjjy]

I'd hate to see you get an old model card, ie 4000 series.

Why? What real difference do you think it will make if he isn't a gamer? The real question is if he needs a card at all, not if he should wait for the new series. As for being passively cooled that card uses very little power and produces very little heat. For a non-gaming card no fan is a plus not something to avoid. Unless he was going to get a card that vents outside of the case(very unlikely) it will not make the computer hotter overall even if it produced enough heat to matter.

 

[negril]

Thank you guys. I'm still going to wait until I actually get my hands on the computer and see what quality video I get out of it before I make any decisions. Now that I find out I can keep onboard video active while also using a card I'm looking forward to utilizing a third monitor (probably for HD TV).

 

[negril]

I bought an MSI R4550-MD1GH Radeon HD 4550 1GB from NewEgg for $19.99 after rebate. I'll be installing it later in the week. At that price I can Craig's list it and get my money back if it doesn't work out. Anything I should be aware of or careful with during the install? thanx

 

[negril]

Best answer selected by negril.

 

[negril]

I don't know if notices are sent once a best answer is selected but I finally installed my MSI Radeon 4550 card and I was told my MSI tech support that I actually can use onboard video and this card simultaneously. I went to the BIOS and to the graphics card but was only given the option of a video card in PCI, PCIE or onboard. Is there a way to get around that or was I in the wrong location. Thanx