[poofyhairguy]

I think I am in love:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/3973/nvidi...rce-gt-430

For the GT 430, NVIDIA is taking an interesting position. AMD and NVIDIA like to talk up their cheaper cards’ capabilities in HTPC environments but this is normally in the guise of an added feature. Rarely do we see a card launched on one or two features and today is one of those launches. NVIDIA believes that they’ve made the ultimate HTPC card, and that’s the line they’re going to be using to sell it; gamers need not apply.

Can't wait for the Linux support!

[pike]

doesn't it use a lot of power ? (compared to ION / G210) ?

[Ninjahblu]

HDMI 1.4! I wasn't expecting a 3D capable card to be available so soon for under $100. The cards look bulky though. Any hope of getting one of these into a mini-itx case?

[bigdog66]

haha.....i just read about this a bit ago and was going to ask if the specs really were good for htpc use as i dont know enough yet....

[ion_man]

The GT430 is faster than a GT220 but slower than a GT240.

Given that the GT220 already does everything a HTPC needs, including all advanced deinterlacing modes, i don't see the point in getting a GT430, UNLESS you really care about hdmi 1.4 (3D support).

Personally I don't give a rat's ar$e about 3D so for me this card is useless in a HTPC.

Edit to add:
Computerbase.de has a review (in german) of a Zotac GT430 based card, they are not too keen on it either:
http://www.computerbase.de/artikel/grafi...ce-gt-430/

[poofyhairguy]

This will offer HD audio bitstreaming which an ION or a GT2xx series can't do. That is the main advantage for those who don't want 3D. I personally don't care about HD audio bitstreaming.

I must admit I am exciting about HDMI 1.4 myself. The ability to playback full 3D rips would be awesome and is something that is lacking on current GT2xx hardware.

[poofyhairguy]

Any hope of getting one of these into a mini-itx case?

I plan on it!

[froggit]

Hasn't it got a fan? If so, this is a FAIL if you want a silent HTPC.

[drewy]

both sparkle & zotac have passive cooled versions listed, although the zotac is a dual slot version.

So for linux support (I'm not talking about bitstreaming) we're waiting for nvidia to publish updated drivers with 430 support, right?

[CpTCrunch]

doesn't it use a lot of power ? (compared to ION / G210) ?

The power consumption looks to be a bit higher than the ION/G210.
But compared to other cards with similar features its extremely efficient.

More power usage info:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Zotac...30/26.html
http://www.anandtech.com/show/3973/nvidi...-gt-430/17

I just ordered the one below to replace a GTX280 "which is a flippin oven"
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6814130579

I can't wait to pop this puppy in. My ati card died a while back and had to toss the 280 in.

[Mysteriouskk]

Will the latest Nvidia drivers work with this? on Linux?

[poofyhairguy]

Will the latest Nvidia drivers work with this? on Linux?

Not yet (at least one Linux). Next release will I bet.

The "big question" is if they will allow HD Audio bitstreaming in the Linux driver....

[drewy]

The "big question" is if they will allow HD Audio bitstreaming in the Linux driver....

Isn't there a little more to it than just driver support? Although of course driver support is needed.

[poofyhairguy]

Isn't there a little more to it than just driver support? Although of course driver support is needed.

There is more to it than driver support, but I am wondering if we will get the driver support for HD bitstreaming.

The issue is that there is no way to play "legitimate" content with HD Audio in Linux. There is no "blessed" Blu Ray playing software for the OS, and thanks to the DMCA (here in the US) there is no way to legitimate way to rip these Blu Rays.

So I have been wondering if Nvidia (or AMD) lets the Linux driver do HD bitstreaming if the content providers will cry foul!

[earlneath]

Has there been any change in the status of driver support for bitstreaming?