i'm in the process of gathering components for a new build. my first build. i plan on the following: core i7 6gb ram 64bit asus p6 mobo i'm not a gamer but want a graphics card that will handle plugging into hd tv. i run photoshop, encode vids and music. occasionally run autocad and a couple of 3d cabinet rendering programs. my initial idea is to get a 4870 but that might be overkill if i don't plan on gaming???? can you recommend a good graphics card that would work well for me. thanks
Yes, it's overkill if you don't play games Assuming the programs you use to encode don't pull off the graphics card, your CPU will do all the work, all you need is a basic graphics card. I tend to recommend the HD4650 as it's a good cheap compromise between respectable 3D performance should it be needed later, fluid HD video playback, low noise & power consumption, and low cost.