I'd update the hardware to make use of 4k content. More than a few feet away you won't be able to tell the difference between 4k and 1080P, but you will know it's different.

I would ask is it worth running a HTPC? The cost of replacing the GPU is significantly higher than buying a cheap Amlogic Kodi box that can play 4k content. With a bit of DIY, you can get a cheap player up and running for less than $50, assuming you're not using streaming services for your 4k content.

* 4k is UHD. I know it's not true 4k resolution.

TV is around 7 feet away. I understand the cost considerations of upgrading the GPU compared to getting a cheaper alternative. Unfortunately I would like to keep my setup tidy and would like to avoid another device if I can. Also I call it my HTPC but in reality it is more of my daily use PC. I was wondering if a 1030 GPU is enough for 4K given I have a separate setup for gaming.

CrashAndBurn:

 

TV is around 7 feet away. I understand the cost considerations of upgrading the GPU compared to getting a cheaper alternative. Unfortunately I would like to keep my setup tidy and would like to avoid another device if I can. Also I call it my HTPC but in reality it is more of my daily use PC. I was wondering if a 1030 GPU is enough for 4K given I have a separate setup for gaming.

 

If the software you are using supports hardware offloading, then the 1030 should be fine. Hardware decoders... MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 part 2, MJPEG, VC-1, H.264 (8-bit) HEVC (8-bit & 10-bit), VP9 (8-bit & 10-bit).

Make sure you get a fanless 1030.  My fanless Nvidia cards are all still working after 8 years or so.  My one and only Nvidia card left that had a fan died a couple of months ago and it was by far the youngest Nvidia card.  The fanless 1030 cards are available with PCIe x8 and PCIe x16 interfaces.  If your new motherboard uses PCIe v3 or greater, then the (cheaper) x8 card is fine and will run at full speed.  If the motherboard is PCIe version < 2, then you will need a PCIe x16 version.  For PCIe version 2.0/2.1, you would need to run the numbers to work out whether the x16 card is needed:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCI_Express

If you do get a GTX 1030, then make sure it comes with DDR5 RAM.

Nvidia did a dodgy thing by sneaking out a DDR4 version, that is considerably slower. It might not be obvious from the packaging, which version you are getting.

I bought a GTX 1050Ti for my media PC.

I wouldn't recommend it as a general use card. There are better options for the money.

But, for a media centre; it doesn't need extra power connectors, can be bought in half-height versions (i.e. fits my PC case), and has a relatively large frame buffer (4GB which may be more useful in the future).

SirHumphreyAppleby:

 

I'd update the hardware to make use of 4k content. More than a few feet away you won't be able to tell the difference between 4k and 1080P, but you will know it's different.

 

I would ask is it worth running a HTPC? The cost of replacing the GPU is significantly higher than buying a cheap Amlogic Kodi box that can play 4k content. With a bit of DIY, you can get a cheap player up and running for less than $50, assuming you're not using streaming services for your 4k content.

 

* 4k is UHD. I know it's not true 4k resolution.

 

The UI on the cheap boxes is blurry trash scaled to the output resolution. Really noticible on things like the text and youtube thumbnails etc.

richms:

 

The UI on the cheap boxes is blurry trash scaled to the output resolution. Really noticible on things like the text and youtube thumbnails etc.

 

After ensuring the box boots, I flash it with CoreELEC. I wouldn't trust the stock software on any cheap Android box.

Depends on what your budget is, if you are getting a decent tv don't scrimp on what you are going to play stuff on it. The LG tv I just got has every app under the sun to play everything I have off my nas. Depends on what you are trying to achieve.

JaseNZ:

 

Depends on what your budget is, if you are getting a decent tv don't scrimp on what you are going to play stuff on it. The LG tv I just got has every app under the sun to play everything I have off my nas. Depends on what you are trying to achieve.

 

I currently do the same as the one I will be replacing is also an LG and it gets content direct from my HTPC. My use case is that I use the same setup daily for like emails and browsing and was wondering if there is value in me upgrading to a 4K capable GPU or just stick with my current setup. It is a given that I will be watching 4K content whenever possible.

I would look at something like 4K netflix compatibility for future proofing - and it would appear the 1030 can't do 4K netflix so I would give it a miss.

Possibly this might help?

There's great thread over at JRiver (which is also fantastic software for a HTPC) about 4K playback hardware:

https://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php/topic,118435.0.html?PHPSESSID=d2gnfpvd04q32jbvclkpsjg0j2

One important choice is HDR, and the conversation (in that thread) is leaning towards a GTX1060.  Here's another thread:

https://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php/topic,117865.0.html?PHPSESSID=d2gnfpvd04q32jbvclkpsjg0j2

Are you going to rip 4k as well? https://www.avsforum.com/forum/39-networking-media-servers-content-streaming/2942740-ripping-uhd-4k-discs-makemkv-instructions-how-57.html

Mmm 1060... if my son finds out, he would most likely give his current one for the chance to upgrade to a better one :) Will not be ripping 4K. Just daily email/browsing and streaming in 4K which I can use the built in smarts of the new TV. I guess, best way is to try with the current setup then decide.

UPDATE: So I got the 65X9000F and running my 550 Ti on 1080p at 120Hz. I just use the apps when watching 4K. I tried 4K reso from my PC but it's just too small from where I sit.