Did you recently buy a new Home Theatre PC or HTPC? Then you must know that without a proper video card, your HTPC is incomplete. Around 3-4 years ago, HTPC was very famous. Nowadays, HTPC is available with more powerful chips, and it is capable of handling pretty hard pressure. You might be wondering why many people favor HTPC over LED TV. It is because HTPC has some special features that LEDs are not capable of delivering. We mainly use HTPC for displaying photos, watching movies, or playing music in a living room. But if you are a videographer, graphics designer, and hardcore gamer, you will require the best quality graphics card for your HTPC setup. Only then can you experience a high-quality video recording or playback. Low FPS rates can ruin your gaming experience mainly during action sequences as players tend to rely more upon responsive controls that require advanced processing power levels. You are definitely not bound to blurry images. You can very easily upgrade the graphics capabilities of your HTPC and enjoy a sharper and crisper image.
We recommend you invest some money and buy a video card of good quality for your HTPC to enjoy quality movies and gaming experiences with high-definition graphics. It is worst to have high-quality programs or movies playback on lower settings as the graphics fail to match. Trying to view anything in it’s highest definition without a graphics card will only cause frustration. You need not worry about lesser FPS anymore. Quality becomes much better than before with a good video card. If you are a budget geek, there are still many available options to make your dreams come true. Video graphics cards of low profile are enough for playing games at 1080p resolution and recording them.
Low-profile video cards can smoothly fit inside the small dimensions of an HTPC. Being a newbie in this field, it will be a hideous task to find the best video cards for HTPC, given the war among well-known brands such as MSI, AMD, and Nvidia. Several things need to be considered, from the size of the chassis to the type of monitor. Moreover, you will have to purchase the best video card compatible with your HTPC. It may not be that tough. If you are aware of your budget, performance goals, and HTPC requirements, you are already a step ahead to find the best video card as per your need. Check this article out to choose the best graphics card suitable for you. We are going to discuss the nitty-gritty surrounding video cards, and we are going to shed light on the specifications and features to guide you in your buying decision.
Consumer guide for buying the best video cards for HTPC
We know that buyers want easier and quicker responses, but that doesn’t mean they will have a tart taste. You need to keep little stuff in mind while selecting the best video card. We will explain in detail the features that must be on the top of your list of priorities and the ones that are not that significant and don’t actually matter in the course of selection.
Memory size and memory clock: Buying a video card with more memory is the same as purchasing a faster computer. The higher clock speeds of other devices don’t really matter as you will store all your TV shows and movies on it in any case. If you want to experience high-resolution gaming, a video card with memory of 2GB can be best suited. But memory size of 4GB can easily handle games without any difficulty. Performance is also affected by clock rate. Therefore, when you want to buy, keep in mind both statistic specifications and primarily what is used by them.
Compatibility: It is very frustrating when you open the box to install your video card and see it is an inch too big or too small. Before committing to buy, you must do proper homework and find the space that your case offers. You need to pay attention to the ports as some monitors have DVI, some have HDMI, whereas some use Display Port. Make sure that the card that you are purchasing has the connectors that are required for your monitors.
Power consumption: There are high chances that your home theatre PC uses integrated graphics when you update your HTPC with a video card. Consider the power supply. How many eight and six-pin PCIe connectors does it contain? It is rated for how much watt? How many amps can be supplied in the 12v rails? Generally, the integrated GPUs are built-in processors and don’t need any extra power supply as they consume from PCI slots. However, the cards which are beefy might require one. Beefy cards are not in demand due to overheating issues. Brick-sized batteries can provide power in gaming consoles, and every port is taken up. It leaves less room for installing a cooling fan, but it is still quite in demand. If it is difficult for your computer to handle, you search for a video card that may require less power supply, or you may also consider an up-gradation of power.
TDP Values: For all the processing work performed by the GPU, it produces heat that is denoted by its TDP value. The quantity of power essential for the GPU to be at an acceptable temperature is indicated by TDP. More heat will be produced as the GPU requires more power. It is always recommended to go for a video card with the smallest TDP value.
Use case: When you buy a video card for HTPC, you must plan beforehand how you will use them. Buy something you actually need, and don’t go for anything because it is pretty enough. If you want to watch high-resolution movies and games and don’t have any plans for gaming, you must consider a low- mid-range graphics card. More vital graphics cards are required for games as they deliver optimal results when you play games at maximum settings FPS rate.
Brand: Lastly, the reputation of the brand must be considered. While selecting your video cards from top-tier brands such as Gigabyte, Zotac, or Asus, you can trust these brands as they have high-performance standards at an affordable price and have the experience of many years. Wisely select the one that suits your requirements perfectly.
Stream Processors (AMD) or CUDA Cores (NVIDIA): CUDA cores are very important for gaming. The more the Stream processors or CUDA cores, the video card renders excellent visuals. This is essential to handle gaming or intensive graphics cards, but the frame rates keep rising.
Top best video cards for HTPC
As per your budget and necessity, here are some topmost choices for the best video card for HDPC to buy in 2022.
Our Recommendations of The Best Video Cards For HTPC To Buy In 2022:
AWARD | MODEL | RETAILER |
THIS VIDEO CARD IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOUR HTPC | Gigabyte GeForce GT 710 | |
PRE-LOADED WITH NEW AND INVENTIVE GAMING TECHNOLOGIES, THUS MAKING IT A SEAMLESS CHOICE FOR GAMES THAT ARE OF HIGH DEFINITION | ZOTAC Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 | |
CHOICE FOR YOUR GAMING, WORKING, AND HOME PC | Asus GeForce GT 710 | |
PERFORMS WELL AND IS OF GOOD VALUE. THOUGH IT DOES NOT SUPPORT 4K VIDEOS, IT IS QUITE AFFORDABLE FOR HTPC. THIS ENTRY-LEVEL VIDEO CARD PROVIDES CLEAR GRAPHICS | MSI N210-MD1G/D3 GeForce 210 | |
LOW MAINTENANCE AND DECENT VIDEO CARD AT A REASONABLE PRICE. MOVIES CAN BE WATCHED AT A HIGHER RESOLUTION ON HTPC. IT IS A LOW-PROFILE VIDEO CARD AND IS BEST FOR AVERAGE USERS | MSI Graphics Card GT 1030 | |
PHOTO AND VIDEO EDITING, WEB BROWSING, AND SOME GAMES OF HIGH LEVEL CAN BE PERFORMED ON YOUR HTPC WITH THE HELP OF THIS VIDEO CARD | Zotac GeForce GT 730 Zone Edition | |
IS BEST FOR SMALL FORM FACTOR BUILDS. YOU CAN RUN 4K HD CONTENT BY NOT FACING ANY ISSUES | Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030 | |
WITH THE RELEASE OF MORE POWERFUL AND NEWER VIDEO CARDS GTX, 1050 TI HAS TAKEN A BACKSEAT. THIS VIDEO CARD IS AVAILABLE AT A VERY AFFORDABLE PRICE | NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti | |
NOT ONLY POWERFUL BUT ALSO CHEAP ENOUGH TO STREAM 4K MOVIES AND VIDEO STREAMING. IT CAN EASILY HANDLE PHOTOSHOP AND 3D RENDERING WITH EASE | NVIDIA GTX 1650 OC | |
MOST IMPORTANT ADVANTAGE OF THE NVIDIA GT 1030 IS IT'S LOW-PROFILE CARD, WHICH CONSISTS OF A SINGLE SLOT | NVIDIA GTX 1030 | |
MAY BE YOUR BEST BUDGET GPU FOR YOUR HTPC BUILD | AMD Radeon RX 550 |
Specifications:
- PCI Express 2.0 x 8 bus interface is supported
- Ram size: 2 GB
- Number of USB ports: 1 x 2.0
- Core clock: 954MHz
- Form factor: Low profile
- Memory Speed: 5010 MHz
Overview:
Presently on the market, this video card is the best choice for your HTPC. Be it the biggest or smallest, and this card fits in all PC cases. An incredible thing regarding this video card is that it comes with VGA/DVI/HDMI ports for connectivity and 2GB DDR5 memory. The clarity of the graphics is mind-blowing so are the colors. It comes with overclocking software. The power supply is not needed in this video card. Not much supplementary power is consumed. You can also use this to play games though gaming experience is far from optimal.
PROS |
More things can be done with less loading time |
CONS |
Not good for the gaming experience |
Specifications:
- Max screen resolution: 7680 x 4320 pixels
- Ram size: 6GB
- Boost clock: 1785 MHz
- Memory clock Speed: 14000 MHz
- ROPs: 64
- Tensor cores: 160
- Shading units: 1408 shading units
- Texture mapping units: 192
Overview:
GeForce GTX 1660 manufactured by NVIDIA is pre-loaded with new and inventive gaming technologies, thus making it a seamless choice for games that are of high definition. It is among the most advanced GPU that has ever been created. This video card opens the door to virtual reality with it’s brilliant performance. Discover plug-and-play compatibility, low latency, and next-generation VR performance with leading headsets. This video card supports Direct x 12.0 in its TU116-400A-A1. It is based on a TU116 graphics processor and is built on a 12nm processor.
PROS |
You won’t run out of power |
CONS |
Number of ports present is limited |
Specifications:
- Output Ports: 1 x Native HDMI 1.4a, 1 x D-Sub, 1x Native Dual-link DVI-D
- Memory- 2 GB
- Memory type: GDDR5
- Memory clock: 5012 MHz
- Core clock: 954 MHz
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Cuda cores: 192
Overview:
This is a video card that is built pretty well. It is the best choice for your gaming, working, and home PC. The settings function very smoothly. The manual is quite easy to understand, and the installation is very easy. Some awesome games can also run in this. Another kind of excellence is to upgrade it from an older PC. Moreover, it boosts performance. It will serve uniquely if you are keen to work on graphics. Asus GeForce GT 710 is the best performer for home theatre, graphics work, or gaming. The video card keeps itself quiet and cool, making it the best companion for media connectivity or home theatre. It supports multiple devices, a maximum of three at a time.
PROS |
Great value |
CONS |
Is not compatible with systems based on older BIOS |
Specifications:
- Output Ports: 1 x DVI Port, 1 x D-SUB, 1 x HDMI
- Memory: 1 GB
- Memory type: DDR3
- Memory clock: 1000 MHz
- Core clock: 589 MHz
- PCI express 2.0 x 16
- Memory bus: 64 bit
- TDP: 20W
Overview:
MSI N210-MD1G/D3 GeForce 210 performs well and is of good value. Though it does not support 4K videos, it is quite affordable for HTPC. This entry-level video card provides clear graphics. This video card will not disappoint you if you are satisfied with 1080p and not a hardcore 4K fan. You can also perform some photo and video editing with it’s Nvidia GeForce 210. The stock heat sink of this video card is pretty quiet. The low-profile brackets are also present, and it is very easy to install. The clear picture quality and it’s enhanced sound are great for the card’s price. The fan and the heat sink both work pretty well. Thus, it leaves the video card cool under load. If you wish to have a low-profile video card and you are on a tight budget, this can be great for you. Apart from photo editing and watching movies, it can also be used as a productivity workstation. This reasonable unit is great for HTPC use. It supports DVI, VGA, and HDMI, which means it can be connected to any TV or monitor. Basically, this is a decent card of low-profile and can be used for streaming video and web browsing.
PROS |
Best for gamers of low- budget |
CONS |
Not great for video and photo editing of high level |
Specifications:
- Output Ports: 1 x HDMI Display Port
- Memory: 2 GB
- Memory type: GDDR5
- Memory clock: 6008 MHz
- Core clock: 1518 MHz
Overview:
MSI GT 1030 is low maintenance and decent video card at a reasonable price. Movies can be watched at a higher resolution on HTPC. It is a low-profile video card and is best for average users. It improves your system dramatically and is quite easy to install. For a Home Theatre PC, the price of this video card is pretty reasonable. This one slot video card is quite well-known for improving every processor’s graphics onboard. This HTPC video card runs various games, and it does not compromise its performance. The limits of this video card can easily be customized if you wish to play videos at 4K resolution. Considering it’s price, GT 1030 performs quite a good job.
PROS |
Budget and low maintenance video card |
CONS |
A good quality processor is required for playing 4K videos |
Specifications:
- Output Ports: 1 x VGA, 1 x DL-DVI, 1 x HDMI
- Memory: 4 GB
- Memory type: DDR3
- Memory clock: 1600 MHz
- Core Clock: 902 MHz
- Cuda cores: 384
- PCI Express 2.0 x 8 lanes
- Max screen resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Memory bus: 64- bit
Overview:
Even though it is a bit old, it provides the best performances of the same level as many other newly launched video cards. The price is quite reasonable for a 4GB card. It is quite small that can fit in your small PC case, and it is pretty easy to install. Photo and video editing, web browsing, and some games of high level can be performed on your HTPC with the help of this video card. The low profile brackets of this video card makes it quite easier for the cooperation of your HTPC. With this 4K video card for HTPC, you can watch movies and videos on 4K settings. You can even enjoy and play games at 4K resolution. This video card is a lifesaver if you want to upgrade your timeworn HTPC on budget. This video card is a perfect choice along with a perfect price for the up-gradation of your HTPC. This budget video card functions like a charm and will enhance the performance and system of HTPC to the next level.
PROS |
Great value and affordable |
CONS |
Overheating issue |
Specifications:
- Ram size: 2 GB
- Form factor: Low profile
- Memory speed: 6008 MHz
- Memory bus: 64-bit
- Interface: 128 bit
- Resolution: 4096 x 2160
Overview:
The Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030 is the perfect video card for HTPC. This video card is best for small form factor builds. You can run 4K HD content by not facing any issues. Vulkan 1.0 APIs in Windows 10/8/7 operating systems, OpenCL 1.2, and Microsoft DirectX 12 are supported by this video card. When connected to HDMI 2 this video card supports HDCP 2.2. This video card contains a custom-design fan cooler. The noise and speed are kept at a lower level with the help of a fan. For maximum airflow, the video card optimizes the airflow effectively. Thus, effective heat is dissipated from the video card, and you can enjoy your games. The graphic engines of AORUS help you customize this video car as per your gaming requirements. With the help of the AORUS engine, you will now be able to enjoy one-click overclocking and get increased performance while playing. This unit is powered by Pascal architecture that delivers up to 3 times the previous-generation card’s performance at only half the power consumption. Moreover, it is also pre-loaded with NVIDIA game-ready technologies.
PROS |
Intuitive AORUS Graphics Engine Utility |
CONS |
Not appropriate for higher gamers |
Specifications:
- Memory bandwidth: 128 GB/s
- VRAM: 4 GB
- CUDA Cores: 768
- Clock Speed: 1290 MHz
Overview:
With the release of more powerful and newer video cards GTX, 1050 Ti has taken a backseat. This video card is available at a very affordable price. This video card provides more than enough performance of 4K movies to your HTPC. This feature makes this video card one of the best on the list. A few years back, this video card used to be one of the quiet and most popular video cards on the market. To date, it’s hardware is capable enough for running 4K videos.
PROS |
Quiet design |
CONS |
Some games has to be dropped to low settings |
Specifications:
- Memory bandwidth: 128 GB/s
- VRAM: 4 GB
- CUDA Cores: 896
- Clock Speed: 1485 MHz
Overview:
This video card is not only powerful but also cheap enough to stream 4K movies and video streaming. It can easily handle Photoshop and 3D rendering with ease. Games can be handled on low to medium settings with the help of a decent amount of VRAM, CUDA cores, and high clock speeds.
PROS |
Good gaming performance |
CONS |
Not appropriate for 4K gaming |
Specifications:
- Memory bandwidth: 48 GB/s
- VRAM: 2GB
- CUDA Cores: 384
- Clock Speed: 1228 MHZ
Overview:
The most important advantage of the NVIDIA GT 1030 is it’s low-profile card, which consists of a single slot. Normally GPUs are bigger in size and consist of various slots. This unique feature makes this video card perfect for mini-HTPC builds. To position your GPU, you need not have a huge case. A mini case will be enough for this video card.
Moreover, it consumes less heat, less noise, and less power exactly what is needed in a mini-HTPC. With this cheap GPU, you will be able to stream and play 4K movies at 60 Hz. It is a single slot card that runs cool and does not need much space.
PROS |
Low profile form/Single-slot |
CONS |
Not appropriate for demanding games |
11. AMD Radeon RX 550
Specifications:
- Memory bandwidth: 112 GB/s
- VRAM: 2GB
- Stream Processors: 512
- Clock Speed: 1100 MHz
Overview:
This may be your best budget GPU for your HTPC build. It runs cool and is quiet because of it’s low power consumption. This means less GPU throttling and fan noise under heavy loads. It is decent enough for photo and video editing. Play and stream 4K movies without any difficulty. It’s overall performance makes it a solid element for your HTPC build.
PROS |
No auxiliary power connector |
CONS |
Not a good option for high-performance gaming |
Summary for The Best Video Cards For HTPC To Buy In 2022:
AWARD | MODEL | RETAILER |
THIS VIDEO CARD IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOUR HTPC | Gigabyte GeForce GT 710 | |
PRE-LOADED WITH NEW AND INVENTIVE GAMING TECHNOLOGIES, THUS MAKING IT A SEAMLESS CHOICE FOR GAMES THAT ARE OF HIGH DEFINITION | ZOTAC Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 | |
CHOICE FOR YOUR GAMING, WORKING, AND HOME PC | Asus GeForce GT 710 | |
PERFORMS WELL AND IS OF GOOD VALUE. THOUGH IT DOES NOT SUPPORT 4K VIDEOS, IT IS QUITE AFFORDABLE FOR HTPC. THIS ENTRY-LEVEL VIDEO CARD PROVIDES CLEAR GRAPHICS | MSI N210-MD1G/D3 GeForce 210 | |
LOW MAINTENANCE AND DECENT VIDEO CARD AT A REASONABLE PRICE. MOVIES CAN BE WATCHED AT A HIGHER RESOLUTION ON HTPC. IT IS A LOW-PROFILE VIDEO CARD AND IS BEST FOR AVERAGE USERS | MSI Graphics Card GT 1030 | |
PHOTO AND VIDEO EDITING, WEB BROWSING, AND SOME GAMES OF HIGH LEVEL CAN BE PERFORMED ON YOUR HTPC WITH THE HELP OF THIS VIDEO CARD | Zotac GeForce GT 730 Zone Edition | |
IS BEST FOR SMALL FORM FACTOR BUILDS. YOU CAN RUN 4K HD CONTENT BY NOT FACING ANY ISSUES | Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030 | |
WITH THE RELEASE OF MORE POWERFUL AND NEWER VIDEO CARDS GTX, 1050 TI HAS TAKEN A BACKSEAT. THIS VIDEO CARD IS AVAILABLE AT A VERY AFFORDABLE PRICE | NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti | |
NOT ONLY POWERFUL BUT ALSO CHEAP ENOUGH TO STREAM 4K MOVIES AND VIDEO STREAMING. IT CAN EASILY HANDLE PHOTOSHOP AND 3D RENDERING WITH EASE | NVIDIA GTX 1650 OC | |
MOST IMPORTANT ADVANTAGE OF THE NVIDIA GT 1030 IS IT'S LOW-PROFILE CARD, WHICH CONSISTS OF A SINGLE SLOT | NVIDIA GTX 1030 | |
MAY BE YOUR BEST BUDGET GPU FOR YOUR HTPC BUILD | AMD Radeon RX 550 |
Conclusion:
Investing in a proper video card will let you get a capable HTPC for graphics-intensive work and provide you with an immersive gaming experience and more fluidity. Video cards are essential for watching 4K videos as the graphics on the High resolutions screens have so much detail, clarity, and information. Without a powerful, fast video card, these won’t function properly. The finest video cards reduce the slashing of the screen and prolong the life span of the monitor. As we have concluded our conversation, by now, you must have easily narrowed your choices to get the perfect video card as per your necessity. Associated links to Amazon.com have been added in this column for your better indulgence.
Check out all the great deals offered on Amazon.com. GeForce GTX 1660 is your best bet if you are searching for a video card compatible with an HTPC. It delivers mind-blowing performance featuring at a budget-friendly price point. The ZOTAC GeForce GT 730 is best if you are enthusiastic about upgrading your home theatre PC with a reliable video card. There are various reasons to buy this video card for your HTPC. It is quite cheap and it can fit easily inside the small form factor home theatre PCs. All requirements from video editing to gaming, everything is met on this card. It drives gameplay smoothly without any tear or shutter. This video card is best for games having high settings, such as World of Warcraft and League of legends. It is perfect for HTPC, where the quality of the graphics card can be sacrificed because of restrictions on screen size.
FAQs
(Q) Is there a necessity for a video card for HTPC?
(A) A high-performance and decent video card is a must-have element when using your HTPC either for watching videos or for playing games. Video cards enhance the longevity and performance of PC systems. You cannot view the value of your HTPC without a proper GPU. Overall, an HTPC unit is totally incompetent and ignorable without a video card.
(Q) Do I need a video card while watching movies?
(A) Of course, graphics card matters the most for playing a game or watching movies. Without a proper video card, your TV or monitor screens won’t be able to display anything. You will see a blank screen. To be able to run properly, a system requires some compulsory components. Whether it is an LED TV or a gaming PC, or an HTPC, a video card is of utmost necessity. Most of the processors contain integrated graphics through which a system runs. But if those are not present, you need to purchase an external video card.
(Q) Which type of video card can run 4K movies?
(A) MSI graphics card GT 1030 and GeForce GT 730 are the best budget graphics cards that run 4K videos and movies. These cards can also handle a 4K settings game.
(Q) Is there a need for GPU to watch a 4K video?
(A) Let alone a 4K video, even for watching a 720p video, a GPU is a must need. Watching movies, videos or gaming, your video cards will require enough space to run. 4K videos and gaming consist of a large quantity of graphics, clarity, and information which requires better facilities. That is why there is a need for a GPU to watch a 4K video.
(Q) Is 5700 XT capable of running 4K games/videos/
(A) Yes, definitely the 5700 XT is exceedingly capable enough to run videos and games at 4K settings. A PC with 5700 XT is great and extremely powerful for the workstation, video editing, high-level gaming, and many more.
(Q) For 4K HTPC what is the best CPU?
(A) As the video cards perform most actions, it doesn’t really matter whether you are using a powerful CPU. Still, it is recommended to use at least a core i7 or a Core i5 for better performance. You must always remember that our only concern is not gaming. We need the best quality GPU that helps in supporting 4K and is quite good enough for handling extreme graphics.
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