I'v been looking for a graphics card to put in a computer that I have built for my room that will plug into my 32" TV to strictly watch movies/TV shows on. I was just wondering how powerful of a card will I need to go?
That's the cheapest 550 you'll get in 550ti cards. You really don't need a powerful card though. In fact, you could probably use integrated graphics if it has a 2100. As long as all you're watching is movies and TV shows.
You don't need that card for a media pc. lol you buy a slim video card. don't need to spend more than 50-60 on a card. It will run everything flawless.
A few weeks ago I saw some GT210 cards going for $15 after rebate. My htpc has a Athlon x2 2.2ghz and a 8500gt (gt210 is slightly better) and it runs bluray, dvd, mkv, netflix, and hulu just fine with no problems.
Edit: If you want to go with something newer and more powerful, this GT520 is only $33 after rebate and perfect for media.
This is one of those situations where a FM1 AMD Llano processor + APU for $100ish bucks is far superior than Intel price wise.
Not sure if you purchased the system already, but if you did, go with what they're suggesting above. A 210 / 520 / whatever will be just fine for media playback. Might also want to take a look at AMD's 65xx/66xx line. They'll do just as well too.
I'd go with an inexpensiver Llano A-series or Brazos E-series (E-450, for instance).
AMD is the better choice for htpc at this time, as they are able to come much closer to the 23.976 fps (or what the exact number is) than either intel or nVidia. Both Fusion concepts (Llano and Brazos) is also far and away better at this than just running the integrated on the Sandy Bridge lineup.
The GTX 550 Ti is too powerful to be worth it. The GT 520 suggested is fine if you go nVidia. An intel atom/nVidia Ion is powerful enough for HTPC-use, so you don't need something super powerful.