I really feel that this has GOT to be covered somewhere, but I can't find it.
I've got an "OK" system that I'm using as a HTPC. It plays dvds and SD videos. Some HD videos are ok, but it stutters on some and audio is out of sync on others. Since my funds are limited, I just live with it. But I recently inherited a Dell computer with a considerably faster CPU than what I'm using. It needs memory, which I'll buy, but I'm sure the on-board video card isn't going to be sufficient.
So I went to Newegg with my credit card in hand, but although there are several reasonably priced video cards, the array of specs are beyond my comprehension, and I'd like to know what's important and what isn't. 64-bit/128-bit? Memory size? Core clock speed? HDMI?
I definitely want a fanless card, but I was wondering if someone could tell me which specs I should be paying attention to. And do I gain anything by connecting via HDMI, rather than the rgb output and audio connection?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Edit...
At this point, I'm leaning toward this:
MSI R4350-MD512H Radeon HD 4350 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=14-127-436
I've got an "OK" system that I'm using as a HTPC. It plays dvds and SD videos. Some HD videos are ok, but it stutters on some and audio is out of sync on others. Since my funds are limited, I just live with it. But I recently inherited a Dell computer with a considerably faster CPU than what I'm using. It needs memory, which I'll buy, but I'm sure the on-board video card isn't going to be sufficient.
So I went to Newegg with my credit card in hand, but although there are several reasonably priced video cards, the array of specs are beyond my comprehension, and I'd like to know what's important and what isn't. 64-bit/128-bit? Memory size? Core clock speed? HDMI?
I definitely want a fanless card, but I was wondering if someone could tell me which specs I should be paying attention to. And do I gain anything by connecting via HDMI, rather than the rgb output and audio connection?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Edit...
At this point, I'm leaning toward this:
MSI R4350-MD512H Radeon HD 4350 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=14-127-436