[JaYhoVA]

I've read a few different "budget htpc" threads and I really only have 1 question. I've put together a simple build with various parts I had acquired over the years. The build specs are listed below with links to their individual specs. The specific question I have is, what graphics card would people recommend? I few things I need it to have is an HDMI with audio, must work with motherboard & processor, and I am hoping to keep it under $50 preferably $30. Any recommendations are welcome.

MSI K9N6PGM2-V GeForce 6100 Socket AM2+ MB
http://m.tigerdirect.com/applications/Se...ODE=MDOTTD

AMD Athlon X2 7550 2.5Ghz AM2+ OEM CPU
http://m.tigerdirect.com/applications/Se...ODE=MDOTTD

THERMALTAKE A4022 TR2-R1 CPU FAN SOCKT AM3/939/754
http://m.tigerdirect.com/applications/Se...ODE=MDOTTD

Kingston 2048MB PC5400 DDR2 667MHz CL5
http://m.tigerdirect.com/applications/Se...ODE=MDOTTD

WD Caviar 320GB SATA-3G HD 7200/8MB/SATA-3G
http://m.tigerdirect.com/applications/Se...ODE=MDOTTD

Apex PC-302 ATX Black Mid-T Case w/ 300w PSU
http://m.tigerdirect.com/applications/Se...ODE=MDOTTD

[ertman]

According to the link you provided regarding the motherboard, your motherboard has a pci express x16 slot so basically any modern-ish card with an hdmi will work.

But ...
What do you mean by hdmi with audio?


If you just mean audio over hdmi, which is the standard then ...
Radeon hd5450 or hd6450
Geforce gt520 or 610 or 620.
Those would be your budget ones, I am running the gt520 in a much older single core amd and it plays blu ray rips fine.

[JaYhoVA]

Thank you. And yes I did mean the standard audio thru HDMI. Don't know why I even put that lol brain fart I guess. Anyway thanks. I found a pretty good deal on a Radeon hd6450 and its right in my price range. So I'm probably going to go with that one.

[ertman]

That should do nicely. All the cards I mentioned should work for you. I would have gone with an AMD card myself, but I was trying to get a deal, so I got the Nvidia 520 card. I can't forsee any problems with your setup.


***I actually thought there were going to be more informed responses... I understand the hardware, but my understanding of XBMC integration is a little light. The only issues people seem to have with AMD hardware is bitstreaming the audio in a Linux based OS, windows is fine, and I do not know what you A/V setup is and whether it is important to you.