What is a good gpu for watching 720p videos?

[James1507]

Im looking for a nice cheap gpu for a pc build used for watching videos at 720p. I don't want anything expensive since it's just for video use.

 

[AUnlikelyPotatoe]

that's not really how a GPU works are you talking about streaming?

 

[hdmark]

what cpu do you have? the integrated graphics on the CPU (assuming it has) will be more than enough to watch videos

 

[TechyInAZ]

For 720P basically any GPU that is above $20 will work just fine.

The GT 710 would be perfect for you: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16814487221

 

[why_wolf]

any integrated GPU in a CPU can handle that.

 

[DigitalHamster]

Just to chip in...
If you are buying an intel CPU, then these all come with intel HD graphics. This will be more than enough to run videos at 720p.
AMD, however, only have integrated graphics in their A-series APU processors.
If you are to choose a processor which does not have some form of integrated graphics, then all you will need is the cheapest GPU you can buy. Like TechyInAZ says, a GT710 will be more than enough.

 

[aquielisunari]

Im looking for a nice cheap gpu for a pc build used for watching videos at 720p. I don't want anything expensive since it's just for video use.

Agreed. The Integrated Intel or AMD GPU is good enough for watching 1080p videos. You really don't have to take it easy on your GPU when watching a movie. A 4K video? Intel's HD 530 is capable of that. Not sure about the HD 400 or 4200 or 4400.There was an incident that involved my GFX card. I had to send it back. I love to game. I was able to use my 4690K's integrated GPU for most of my games. I only say that to emphasize that the integrated GPU will hardly be taxed with a 1080 or 720p video on a 60Hz TV or monitor. With the performance of my integrated GPU while my GFX card was in the hospital I'd venture to say it may be capable of 4K gaming. Let's say you purchase a very inexpensive GFX card such as the GT 710. It's passmark score is less than that of my integrated GPU. You may be wasting money buying a card. Can't really know that without knowing your system hardware. https://www.piriform.com/speccy/download can tell you that and you can copy and paste the summary page over here for the rest of us to see.

On a side note you need to make sure you have more than enough RAM. Sure, you can have enough RAM to keep your OS happy. However, when using an integrated GPU, it will need to "borrow" system RAM. If there is not enough RAM It can negatively impact the video processing as well as WIndows' behavior.