I've lost touch with the video card scene. I have an older box which I intend to use as a media center. I have ubuntu 8.10 installed on it now.

I'm looking for a cheap video card, that works on linux and has HDMI out (via adapter is ok). I'd settle with component video out, but would like the clean 1 hdmi cable for vid and audio.

I found this "open box" one for $25, but I have no clue if its a POS:
http://www.techforless.com/cgi-bin/tech4less/2400PRO256PEL?mv_pc=google_base&tts=20081115020701

Anyone have a recommendation? Used card is fine.

[Edited on November 17, 2008 at 11:36 AM. Reason : adapter]

11/17/2008 11:35:38 AM

this has been discussed before in the HTPC thread:
message_topic.aspx?topic=524493

n/m, just look around, most cards have audio passthrough header if the video card supports HDMI

[Edited on November 17, 2008 at 11:47 AM. Reason : .]

11/17/2008 11:43:43 AM

^ good to know on the passthru. Just read that nvidia driver on linux supports passthru as of ver 177 (which I'm running already).

11/17/2008 12:46:04 PM

with nvidia, i believe the SPDIF IN is right next to the SLI header

11/17/2008 1:16:42 PM

get an HDMI to DVI converter. Its the same signal so no quality loss. I use it all the time when I plug stuff up to my tv (tv is 42"), nice for LAN parties watching game reviews

11/17/2008 2:53:23 PM

^ thing is this box only has onboard video right now. So if I'm gonna get a card, mine as well get one w/ hdmi onboard. This is meant for my TV room, so the 1 hdmi cable for audio/vid vs 2+ for converter+audio is nice.

I want to get a nvidia cuz supported better on linux.

I found MSI Nvidia Geforce 9400GT for $46, but there has gotta be one for cheaper:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127388

11/17/2008 3:12:06 PM

^^except he wants audio & video on a single HDMI cable, you can't send audio through a DVI port AFAIK

search for a Gigabyte 7600 GS they were the first nvidia card with HDMI & an audio header

11/17/2008 3:20:23 PM