INTERACT FORUM
More => Old Versions => Media Center 16 (Development Ended) => Topic started by: samtheman57 on September 26, 2011, 11:13:14 am
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I am doing a modest upgrade, getting a new motherboard and CPU/RAM for my Windows 7 PC.
The new motherboard is based on the Intel Z-68 chipset which features integrated graphics.
I have done my own PC builds for years, and I am debating whether to add in a modest discrete graphics card using Lucid Logix Virtu (load shifted between discrete and integrated GPU) or just go with the Intel chips integrated graphics.
I have been loving playing You Tube and streaming videos inside the J River Media Center, Theater View etc.
What I am wondering is, will there be a loss of quality in MC using integrated vs.a discrete graphics card?
Probably an "outside the box" issue, and I am definitely not a PC gamer, so I am leaning towards trying the Intel integrated graphics.
However, if it degrades the quality of video in MC I definitely want the extra horsepower of a discrete GPU.
By the way, this is the best piece of software for the money I have ever purchased.
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I have MB with Z68 chipset and i5-2500K (HD3000 GPU). It is powerful enough to run the "best/highest" JRiver graphics settigns (RO+HQ).
But my other computer is Intel i3-2100 (HD2000 GPU) and it can't handle RO+HQ, so I added an nVidia GT440 (with the DDR5 mem.) and now it runs RO+HQ.
Try the integrated graphics first, you can always add a Video card later. But I would not get anything less than an Intel "i5" if it were me. IMO.
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Thanks for the response Country:
I have MB with Z68 chipset and i5-2500K (HD3000 GPU). It is powerful enough to run the "best/highest" JRiver graphics settigns (RO+HQ).
But my other computer is Intel i3-2100 (HD2000 GPU) and it can't handle RO+HQ, so I added an nVidia GT440 (with the DDR5 mem.) and now it runs RO+HQ.
I had to spring for the "budget" i3 2100 choosing an Asus P8Z68 motherboard. The motherboard is a springboard for a better Sandy Bridge down the road. Basically I am just moving from Core 2 Duo circa 2008 and Asus motherboard circa 2007 into 2011. Hopefully saving energy was a goal, but not at the expense of decent performance on a "non gaming" level.
Try the integrated graphics first, you can always add a Video card later. But I would not get anything less than an Intel "i5" if it were me. IMO.
I have read reviews and opinions until my eyes are about to come out of their sockets, with no clear opinion, but streaming video is definitely up there. I probably will try that first. Thanks for your reply.