Workstation graphics cards

[KnotaGeekRU]

Do I have to use a graphics card designed for workstation systems or can I just use any card that will allow me to connect my HP xw6600 Workstation to my HDTV through the graphics card I choose by using an HDMI cable for the TV and connect it to my monitor with a DVI cable? All the graphics cards I have found for workstations are very expensive and only have DVI connections. I'm trying to turn this system into my new HDPC without spending very much money. I have a Dell Optiplex 360 that I put a $50 graphics card in that has an HDMI, VGA, and DVI outputs. I know the workstation was designed for work like CAD and very high resolution stuff. All I plan to use the system for is viewing my movie collection on my HDTV and at this point I don't play 3D games or have a need for 3D for anything. The $50 card I mentioned earlier works great for my needs. I would like something about the same or a little better quality. It is an MSI N210-MD512H. I hope I can use a graphics card a little better than this one with at least 1GB and better 3D just in case I decide to start gaming or buy a 3D HDTV but the 3D does not need to be supper high quality for gaming. I hope I can find a GPU for less than $130 that is compatible with my HP xw6600 Workstation.

 

[Hello man]

Do I have to use a graphics card designed for workstation systems or can I just use any card that will allow me to connect my HP xw6600 Workstation to my HDTV through the graphics card I choose by using an HDMI cable for the TV and connect it to my monitor with a DVI cable? All the graphics cards I have found for workstations are very expensive and only have DVI connections. I'm trying to turn this system into my new HDPC without spending very much money. I have a Dell Optiplex 360 that I put a $50 graphics card in that has an HDMI, VGA, and DVI outputs. I know the workstation was designed for work like CAD and very high resolution stuff. All I plan to use the system for is viewing my movie collection on my HDTV and at this point I don't play 3D games or have a need for 3D for anything. The $50 card I mentioned earlier works great for my needs. I would like something about the same or a little better quality. It is an MSI N210-MD512H. I hope I can use a graphics card a little better than this one with at least 1GB and better 3D just in case I decide to start gaming or buy a 3D HDTV but the 3D does not need to be supper high quality for gaming. I hope I can find a GPU for less than $130 that is compatible with my HP xw6600 Workstation.

Yes, any GPU will do.

 

[snowctrl]

You only need a workstation GPU if you plan to use software that will really make use of it. Otherwise you are far better off with a gamer card, which will come with drivers optimised for games rather than CAD software