Computers & Networking

[andrew_bestbuty]

I Want to upgrade the Video Card  for my eMachines (ET1331) computer so I can connect two monitors (ideally, 2nd connection will be via HDMI cable since 2nd connection is to a TV).  What video card do you recommend?  I don't do any gaming or have any intense video requirements ... just want the abiltiy to use the TV as a second monitor (without having to unplug from the computer's monitor and plug into the TV every time I want to use the TV).

If I can't do this via a new video card, are there other options that could get me to the same solution?

Thanks for the help.

Andrew

[seekrtz]

Any low end video card that has HDMI  with audio support should be suffifient, but the latest model/series cards tend to have better power comsumption and driver support, so start there.  

I recommend the AMD 6450 in your particular case because it is cheap, still new, and has HDMI with audio support.  It also has a VGA and DVI port, so I suggest you use the DVI for your main PC monitor and stop using the VGA if it supports DVI. Since currently, you must be using VGA based on the motherboard specs of that eMachine.

The best deals on the AMD 6450 can be found online and monoprice.com sells very cheap HDMI cables if needed as well.

[Jimmienomam]

I agree. There isn't a lot the video card would be rendering so any decent low end card with the output that you require would suffice. I would still buy it from the better brands just the lower end cards.

[RealGeorgeW Valued Expert]

I used an GeForce 210 for about a year in my HTPC. Worked great, did HD/audio over HDMI well, and is fairly cheap.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/PNY+-+GeForce+210+1GB+DDR2+PCI+Express+2.0+Graphics+Card/9979447.p?id=12...

[Mohdify]

The GeForce 210 was a great card. I recently gave that card to a relative and bought myself a GeForce GT 520. Runs like a champ. And it's actually not loud at all. These cards seem to catch a sale fairly often, like this week.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Galaxy+-+GeForce+GT+520+1GB+DDR3+PCI+Express+2.0+Graphics+Card/2344226.p...

If you're hooking up the computer to a TV via HDMI, be sure to turn off the Overscan feature from the settings menu of your TV. Otherwise, you'll notice that your screen will bleed off all the edges.