DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026

DIGIT-ARC / Hardware / Graphic cards

Graphics Card Query.

8 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/graphics-card-query.142633/

ninad_mhatre85
ninad_mhatre85 Original post #1
Jun 20, 2011 at 12:16 PM
Hi Guys,

I want to buy a graphic card for my year old PC. I am not hardcore gamer and all but i do play games sometimes. In next month i am planning to buy 22" HD LCD monitor so i thought i will use Digital signal to get better picture. I have a budget of 3K. My main purpose is to improve viewing experience. I dont have problem in spending 3K but if there is no real benefit then i will stick to stock one.

I have few questions on my mind :

1 - My Mobo : GIGABYTE - Motherboard - Socket AM3 - GA-MA74GMT-S2 (rev. 1.0) has DVI-D connector, putting extra GPU will be better or should i just stick to my MOBO DVI-D connector.
2 - i have 500 watt PSU will that suffice power requirement for graphics card.
3 - Is there any real benefit over using Onboard DVI / Graphics card for improving viewing experience ?
desiibond
desiibond #2
Jun 20, 2011 at 12:29 PM
If you are not gaming, then there isn't much use unless you are planning to watch FullHD movies.
mithun_mrg
mithun_mrg #3
Jun 20, 2011 at 12:38 PM
If u get a ATI 5450@2.5K it will be sufficient for ur PSU to Handle this card won't increase in improving viewing experience in normal computing but u can increase the resolution/quality in ur games over ur onboard GPU also u will get an HDMI output which u can use to hook up ur new Monitor lastly ur 1080P videos HD video playback will play at minimal CPU Utilization
Cilus
Cilus #4
Jun 20, 2011 at 1:46 PM
But HD 5450 is very weak card and not actually recommended for HTPC also. A lots of tests in tomshardware, Anandtech actually suggested that the post processing capability to improve Video quality is very limited here.

So get Zotzc GT 520 1 GB GDDR3 @ 3K or HD 6450 @ 3.2K. Both offers far superior performance than HD 5450.
Piyush
Piyush #5
Jun 20, 2011 at 9:36 PM
another option: HD 5570 @ 3.5k
comp@ddict
comp@ddict #6
Jun 20, 2011 at 11:06 PM
for HD video playing, HD5450 will suffice.
Cilus
Cilus #7
Jun 21, 2011 at 2:04 AM
comp@ddict, HD 5450 or GT 220, these cards are just there to play the HD content, mainly H264 encoded video. But there is a tons of enhancement that can be applied through GPU and HD 5450 is not up to the mark.

Check the Tomshardware Video Quality Tested: GeForce Vs. Radeon In HQV 2.0 .
comp@ddict
comp@ddict #8
Jun 21, 2011 at 9:56 AM
^^ Just use VLC, excellent enhancements, works on any system. :p