Graphics Card Choice for Linux HTPC

bullzeye.za said:
Go for the GT610 - The PoV one that Esquire sells works 100% ( I've installed five or six of them )

Just remember to get an extra low profile bracket ( R30-odd ) at the same time, or you'll have to make two trips :)
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So you reckon I will see an improvement over the GT210 if I install the GT610? Is there any big differences between the GT610 and the GT620?
 
weelzSA said:
So you reckon I will see an improvement over the GT210 if I install the GT610? Is there any big differences between the GT610 and the GT620?
Click to expand...

The difference would only be apparent if you played games - As far as video processing goes, the only improvement you might see is when you go past 4xFHD resolutions. They have the same HDMI level support.
 
Yeah, the Asus GT620 is running nicely, but as has been stated in this thread (and in my opinion) it is overkill for only an HTPC. I am using it for the odd game too, so for my setup it's great. I should say though that I do not have experience with any of the other cards so I can't comment on quality etc.

The concern I had was reading conflicting reports on whether the other cards supported 5.1 or 7.1 sound, which is what I have at home, the GT620 was the only one I could find which was confirmed to support.
 
I have an ecs nvidia 620 in mine and it fits fine you just lose the vga port it comes with a LP bracket.
It is pretty awesome.
runnning windows 8 FRODO XBMC though.
 
SpoonTech said:
Hi,

I realise their is a thread for the HP Microserver, however after wading through 23 pages and a few searches I didn't manage to find exactly what I was looking for.

I have an HP N40L Microserver and was planning on using the built in graphics, until I noticed the lack of a sound card.
I am now looking for a graphics card for the device.

OS: Ubuntu 12.04 (would also like to switch to Linux Mint / Open Elec at any time.)

I am going to go with an Nvidia Card, but there are so many types and brands I'm not sure what to go with.
I am going to choose between these models:
NVidia GT210
NVidia GT520
NVidia GT610

I have looked at Asus, Gigabyte and Point of View cards. It is obviously imperative that the card fits in the machine, and includes the low profile bracket. I'd like to spend less than R400 if possible but can stretch to R500 if the functionality will be better.

I want to be able to play Full HD MKV, x264, XviD etc. without any problems, overheating or otherwise.
A silent card would be nice if the heatsink can fit in the chassis. I also do not want to upgrade the power supply.

Please only comment on this thread if you own an N40L, use an Nvidia Card (one of the models above or similar), and have tested large MKV's in Ubuntu (pref 12.04) / Linux Mint
Click to expand...

I've got the 210 running on Ubuntu and XBMC. Works like a charm, decent card! Driver setup is fairly easy too! I recommend it.
 
I have run XBMC on ubuntu using a Nvidia 620.
Yes 5.1 sound can be played through that depending on the receiver.
You have to install the propriety sound drivers for nvidia for it to work however.
Am sure the other nvidia's would be the same
 
As the OP I forgot to post back here when I bought the card.
My N40L runs perfectly with the Gigabyte GT610 (Active - but fan is so quiet, can't even hear it over the system fan).
It fitted in easily and pricing was reasonable. Using proprietary drivers on Ubuntu 12.04.

I do have a slight issue with a 32" HD Ready Sinotec TV, in that the resolution keeps resetting to 1024x768, and there are overscan problems with the wide resolutions. I just set to 1080p and then use XBMC's overscan comp so its fine. This seems to be a Sinotec issue because it works fine on Samsung 40" LED and Samsung 24" FHD LCD.

**Word of advice, avoid anything that says Sinotec like the plague.
 
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