[vincmad]

Hi


Im thinking of getting a video card for my htpc, and would like to know wich is the better choice between a radeon 3870 and the 4650, it would be for blu-ray playback, and some gaming, prices are about the same but wich one would give me more for my money?


Thanks

 

[renethx]

3870 is twice better than 4650 in gaming. If you don't need multichannel LPCM, 3870 is a better buy.

 

[mjfink]

For HTPC, I would go with the 4XXX series for sure. The multi-channel LPCM is much more important for HTPC then a higher speed card, or more stream processors. IMHO, as long as you're not looking to play games, the 4XXX series would be a much better choice.

 

[deltronik]

I just picked up a 4830 off newegg for 109.99 shipped.

Can't beat that deal for gaming.

It also has support for 8 channel audio over hdmi.

I would ( and I did) shell out the extra bit of cash for it, especially if you will be doing any gaming.


Check out some reviews, the 38 and 46 can't compete.

 

[deltronik]

Here's a good budget card round-up that helped me make a decision:

( damn, not enough posts to post a hyperlink)

here: " http://www.techspot.com/review/134-budget-midrange-gpu-roundup/ "


Also, the 4830 is about the cheapest card that will be able to handle gaming at 1080p in most games.


A card this cheap and this fast would have been unthinkable a year ago.

 

[deltronik]

FYI, Newegg has the sapphire 4830 is on sale for $99.99 for today, just saw this when I was gonna write up a review.

Good time to snatch one if youve been holding off.

I wonder if newegg will price match themselves as I just bought the card?

 

[vincmad]

thanks for all the advice and the link, im in canada so maybe newegg wont have that special, but thanks for the heads up!


Ill get the 4830, it seems like the best choice for me, ill do a lil bit of gaming and watch blue ray movies.