Assuming that quality of video playback is the over-riding factor when assessing these cards (i.e. you don't care too much about the quality of the desktop), then the GeCube X1300 and Sapphire X1600 are the stand-out cards in this round-up. The GeCube X1600 isn't a true HDMI card - rather a gaming card with HDCP capabilities leveraging off HDMI-DVI compatibility. The two X1600 cards are obviously the more powerful, with the Sapphire just edging out the GeCube in the performance benchmarks.

Overall, the Sapphire X1600 offered the best feature set as a good graphics platform for an HTPC. The ability to mount the card as a dual-width low-rise unit is very neat, and the bundled cabling and software makes it the stand-out performer.

Sapphire X1600 Pro HDMI - Score - 9/10

- Pros
Low-rise card suitable for small HTPC cases
Native HDMI video+audio/HDCP support
Excellent software bundle


- Cons
HDMI picture not as good for PC desktop