Reply to thread

Message

<blockquote data-quote="Tech Geek" data-source="post: 41815" data-attributes="member: 18181">I have several ATi based systems and have set up several NVidia based systems for friends including a FX5500 based system for my brother where I picked out the video card just last week.In spite of claims about the vast superiority of one brand over another I don't see a huge difference between GPU brands for TV quality.&nbsp; More likely you'll see a greater difference caused by your TV, cabling, video mode chosen or card quality.&nbsp; Some cards with the same GPU may have different quality output than others due to the parts used.&nbsp; Stick to better known brands if you can but don't spend a huge amount more for a card with the same GPU.Most of the graphics cards I've suggested for friends and family were chosen more by price and features than by NVidia vs ATi.Set a price range and buy the card with the best features for the price you can buy.The 5200/5500 have a few less features for video playback than more expensive models from NVidia and ATi.&nbsp; That means it will require more CPU time to play back video with them than the more expensive DX9 GPUs.&nbsp; If you aren't using that CPU time for something else... who cares.&nbsp; The machine may be slightly less responsive but it should be minimal.If you want the cheapest DirectX9 card... the 5200 model is it at around $35.&nbsp; My brother's 5500 was $39 after rebate (same as the 5200 only slightly faster).&nbsp; The ATi 9550 runs around $50, my X1300 was $65 for a refurb and I've seen them close to that after rebate new.&nbsp; Then you jump to around $100 (all US dollars btw) for similar features but more speed.Keep in mind the latest GPU lines will have the best features.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Tech Geek, post: 41815, member: 18181"] I have several ATi based systems and have set up several NVidia based systems for friends including a FX5500 based system for my brother where I picked out the video card just last week. In spite of claims about the vast superiority of one brand over another I don't see a huge difference between GPU brands for TV quality. More likely you'll see a greater difference caused by your TV, cabling, video mode chosen or card quality. Some cards with the same GPU may have different quality output than others due to the parts used. Stick to better known brands if you can but don't spend a huge amount more for a card with the same GPU. Most of the graphics cards I've suggested for friends and family were chosen more by price and features than by NVidia vs ATi. Set a price range and buy the card with the best features for the price you can buy. The 5200/5500 have a few less features for video playback than more expensive models from NVidia and ATi. That means it will require more CPU time to play back video with them than the more expensive DX9 GPUs. If you aren't using that CPU time for something else... who cares. The machine may be slightly less responsive but it should be minimal. If you want the cheapest DirectX9 card... the 5200 model is it at around $35. My brother's 5500 was $39 after rebate (same as the 5200 only slightly faster). The ATi 9550 runs around $50, my X1300 was $65 for a refurb and I've seen them close to that after rebate new. Then you jump to around $100 (all US dollars btw) for similar features but more speed. Keep in mind the latest GPU lines will have the best features. [/QUOTE]

Verification