Which 7xxx Fanless Card?

[jsonnabend]

Originally Posted by snoop244

Try the Leadtek Winfast line of 7900 cards. They can be had for under $200 and they support hdcp. They are not fanless, but if quiet is what you are looking for, you won't have issues with these cards. Google some reviews. They all comment on the quality of the fan.

I've had no issues with this card. It runs in my bedroom with my otherwise pa$$ively cooled system, and I can't hear it. Ever.

Regardless of whether the studios agree to set the flag, the developers of the software that play back Blu-Ray and HD-DVD movies (e.g. Cyberlink) certainly DO enforce HDCP in their applications IF, and only if, you output to DVI or HDMI. If you are going over VGA, playback of HD discs works fine and, from my less-than-keen estimation, at the same resolution as when it goes through DVI/HDMI.

Here's a review of one of the cards from the series. I can't recall if it is the one I have, though the price seems higher. Bought mine two months ago for $220CDN, which is less than $200USD.

http://www.hardwarezone.com/articles...?cid=3&id=2060

Thanks for the thorough response. You've certainly peaked my interest. And thanks again to the other posters who responded. Next task: get the seal of approval for the purchase from the wife, which might be difficult since we just built the system(s) this past year.

- Jeff

[MoopZilla]

I'm running a Gigabyte 7600GS AGP card in my system: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814125039

I haven't had any problems with it at 1080i and 720p. I'm just using OTA HD for local channels though. More details are in my signature. I upgraded from a noisy 6600gt. It also just uses 1 slot, so you won't lose a pci slot for the fan/heatsink. The loudest thing in my system now is the hard drive

[hemicuda]

Zalman's AlCu for socket 462 is working a treat. I can actually hear on of my drives seeking now. Picked up an Antec 500W Neo PS to replace my 350. Didn't make much diff on the 12V rail though; still at just over 11v. Oh well. Loudest fan in the system is now the extra case unit. ok.. I'm way off topic now, but figured I'd post a follow-up w/ my results. Temp is holding at 45C w/ only 2600rpm instead of 5400.

[malbec]

Question for you to further my understanding of HDCP.

Say one gets the card you recommend with HDCP support. So, now what? Is it only for HD-DVD and Blue Ray discs that I would need this for? If so, there sure seems to be a lot of turmoil out there as to whether the extra money now would mean I would even get it to work properly when things settle don't you think? I mean, I bought my HD Ready TV a few years ago with the thought process that is what I needed to watch HD. A few years later and now I need an HDCP HDMI port (all I have is component) and they are working to "close the anlaog hole." Also, even if the card is HDCP, doesn't Sage itself need to be able to support HDCP as well to ensure an encrypted path or whatever the appropriate term is?

The reason I ask is that I am looking at building my own as well, and this is something I am struggling with. Is it worth the extra money for HDCP or, by the time it is actually functionable, the technology will have evolved to the point that I want to build something different anyway?

Advice would be much appreciated. Thanks much!