While entry-level video cards wilt in the face of demanding action games, they more than hold their own in any other application (watching videos, photo editing, etc.) and put integrated video to shame in almost every… instance. Among entry-level video cards, most reviewers point to the XFX GeForce 8400 GS as a top choice. It has a 450 MHz clock speed and 256 MB of RAM, though versions with more memory are available. In tests, the graphics card performs as well or better than similar and even more expensive options, and versions with a heat sink (fan-cooled versions are also available) run exceptionally quietly. The video card is a great performer with standard definition video, but there are better cards for HD DVD or Blu-ray playback.
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