low-cost, passively-cooled Video Card w/ HDMI-Audio Out?

onlinespending · Post by **onlinespending** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 12:06 pm

I am looking for the cheapest passively cooled Video Card that has HDMI out and supports HDMI audio. That last part is the unique and important part to me. Thanks for the suggestions!

~El~Jefe~ · Post by **~El~Jefe~** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 12:27 pm

do you want the card to also decode 1080p things like blu-ray?

ati 3000 and up, and anything else nvidia makes is on very old tech that isnt that efficient, although works well.

blubberhoofd · Post by **blubberhoofd** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 12:42 pm

I had the same problem

the solution:

Sapphire Ultimate HD 4670 512MB GDDR3 PCI-E

http://www1.sapphiretech.com/us/product ... p?gpid=280

costs ~ $60 these days

onlinespending · Post by **onlinespending** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 4:57 pm

Thanks! I'm looking for the cheapest thing that can provide Blu-ray decoding and HDMI audio. Seems like the Radeon HD 3450 might be a good low cost candidate. I've seen the Powercolor version sell for just $15 after rebate in the past.

What about low-cost Nvidia offerings?

loimlo · Post by **loimlo** » Sun Mar 28, 2010 7:53 am

nVIDIA's GT210 is at the same level as ATi 4350 in terms of HDMI audio output ability. Were I you, I'd get 5450 for best HDMI audio output at a slightly higher price compared to 3450/4350/GT210 anyaway.

rei · Post by **rei** » Sun Mar 28, 2010 12:06 pm

i recommend a hd5450.

onlinespending · Post by **onlinespending** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 6:25 pm

OK, thanks again. Just picked up a HD 5450 for just $30 after rebate.