what are the minimum specs to watch HD movies?

[super.relaxed]

Hi,

This is a different version of a question that has been asked before, but since the details change...

What GPU specs do I need to comfortably play 1080p movies outputing to a projector? I.e., I'm not a gamer!

I just put together a new system with:

ASUS Prime X470-Pro AM4 AMD X470 HDMI ATX Motherboard
AMD Ryzen 5 2400G with Radeon RX Vega 11
16Gb DDR4 RAM

I'm using the two mobo outputs for monitors - that's why I need to get a card for the additional output. I understand that I don't need something high end to watch movies.

So for example, could I get away with a fanless card with 4Gb RAM? Do I need at least 8Gb? Does core clock matter?

Thanks for your input.

 

[kanewolf]

Would an HDMI splitter be an option or does the projector HAVE to be independent of the existing displays?

 

[Calvin7]

You can use a cheap card without a lot of video memory. Get one that has the type of outputs you want.

 

[super.relaxed]

Would an HDMI splitter be an option or does the projector HAVE to be independent of the existing displays?

It would have to be independent of the monitors because I actually send the HDMI to my stereo, and then from stereo to the projector.

 

[why_wolf]

Pretty much any card. No reason to buy anything more expensive than a GT 1030.

 

[kanewolf]

I would think about an AMD rather than an NVIDIA. You have already been using AMD graphics drivers with the 2400G. It might be more seamless if you used an AMD low end card like a RX520/530

 

[aquielisunari]

If I needed something dedicated to a projector I would probably go with a Nvidia 1030. https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2F84BC9276&cm_re=GT_710-_-14-487-221-_-Product is my second choice. If anything goes wrong EVGA will make it right.

Because this is for you and your situation I would opt for an AMD card instead. It's just easier to transition from AMD to AMD. Otherwise uninstalling and deleting all traces of that install is needed to ensure a clean install of the Nvidia driver. Some even go as far as downloading DDU.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121880 is my recommendation for your HTPC.

 

[BlueCat57]

Before you buy a card ask yourself how soon you will upgrade your projector or want to watch 4K HDR movies. The requirements may change and spending a bit more now on a card might be a good investment.

There is a BIG difference between HD movies and even Blu-Ray movies, so do some research and make sure you have ALL the hardware AND software you need to accomplish your task.

It sounds like you have some sort of surround sound system setup. Make sure you can still use that set up. The fact that you use external sound tells me you desire the "best" so consider "future proofing" you system.

And make sure the card has the right HDMI version for your needs. And confirm it and then confirm it AGAIN. In doing research on Tom's I often read that the manufacturer says it can do it, but for some reason it doesn't work.

I learned several lessons the hard way recently. I have an optical drive that can play DVDs, but found out you need software to do that. While you can buy software that "claims" to do that, the reviews are somewhat mixed. So make SURE, CERTAIN that you know what you want and what you need to play those movies.

I hope these thoughts help you avoid costly frustration. And consider a used card. If you aren't going to be upgrading any of the other parts of your setup, an older card might do the trick for you.