Wanting a video card for 4k video playback

[Ford Freak]

What would you recommend? This will be for a system connected to my TV. The system will be connected to a Denon AVR which is connected to an LG C1 series TV. The only uses other than VLC will be youtube and some sort of streaming service(s). OS will be Linux and/or Win 7. Prefer to keep price $200 or less.

[Nunz]

I'd say try integrated graphics first, if available. What processor are you going with?

[Ford Freak]

Originally Posted by Nunz

I'd say try integrated graphics first, if available. What processor are you going with?

I'll be using a 3930k on a Sabertooth x79

[Nunz]

Originally Posted by Ford Freak

I'll be using a 3930k on a Sabertooth x79

In that case, I'd look for something like an AMD 6500XT or 6600/6600XT. I think the 6500XT would work out excellent.

On the NV side, I find there's not much value at the $200 range, unless you want used.

[Trunks0]

There is also the recently released Radeon RX 6400. Might also fill this gap well.

[Ford Freak]

Originally Posted by Nunz

In that case, I'd look for something like an AMD 6500XT or 6600/6600XT. I think the 6500XT would work out excellent.

On the NV side, I find there's not much value at the $200 range, unless you want used.

How much more would I be looking to spend for something equivalent from nVidia? If it's better or more future proof, I'd be willing to spend a little extra. I'm a bit lost when it comes to video cards now. Newer video games don't really appeal to me so I've kinda lost track of the video card market.

I came across this page while trying to do some research. I see some of the NV cards support H.265 12 bit. I'm not sure if that matters or not for movies.

https://www.winxdvd.com/convert-4k-v...back-on-pc.htm

If it matters and the previously mention AMD cards support it, I'll go for one of those. If not and the NV cards aren't really any better, I'll go for one of the AMD cards.

[pax]

Nvidia is coming out with ancient chipsets at stupid prices. The GTX 1630 for 170$ USD. For simple playback it doesnt take much I run 4k playback on the HTPC on an RX 480. Works fine. Id buy used for HTPC myself unless you expect to run 8K in the next few years or want some light gaming.

[Nunz]

Originally Posted by Ford Freak

How much more would I be looking to spend for something equivalent from nVidia? If it's better or more future proof, I'd be willing to spend a little extra. I'm a bit lost when it comes to video cards now. Newer video games don't really appeal to me so I've kinda lost track of the video card market.

I came across this page while trying to do some research. I see some of the NV cards support H.265 12 bit. I'm not sure if that matters or not for movies.

https://www.winxdvd.com/convert-4k-v...back-on-pc.htm

If it matters and the previously mention AMD cards support it, I'll go for one of those. If not and the NV cards aren't really any better, I'll go for one of the AMD cards.

I'm sorry but I'm not sure about the H.265 support on NV. I'm not sure exactly what format Bluray movies are encoding in - H.265 support is only important if the source you are using is in H.265, so you'd need to be able to decode it, or if you were generating content and wanted to encode it in H.265, at least as far as I understand.

The more you spend, the more future-proof you'll be, but if your purpose is strictly for movies, then I'd imagine you'd be set with a 6500XT. I'm not a fan of the RX6400 from AMD because the card is gimped, and the cost savings don't equate to the gimping. I think the 6500XT is a decent balance.