Windows 7: Are the GPUs in the new Intels any good for basic htpc/server use?

Check my System info for the details.
I have recently purchased all the parts for a computer from Newegg (still waiting for it), with the understanding that the HD graphics capabilities of the Sandy bridge Pentiums will be more than capable of playing back most formats flawlessly (and being able to convert some odd formats to WMC-friendly versions ahead of time), alongside beng used as a sort of download server for the house.



Am I right in believing I can get away witout a graphics card?

It will be fine unless you will be doing some gaming
Any integrated graphics will perform very badly in most graphically demanding applications such as modern games. Get a dedicated graphics card if you intend to do gaming

Agreed, you should be just fine unless gaming.



The only reason I can think of ATM for using a dedicated GPU for Video Rendering only, is the Hardware Accleration aspect.
ATI/AMD has AVIVIO and Nvidia has Pure Video. Both are esentially the same thing.

Having the GPU decode the video with these may give you a slightly overall better image.
But then again, the software you use for playback will have some affect as well.

To be fair, Im not sure how much of a difference that would be over the CPU integrated video, or if it would even be worth it to you.

If you decide to go with a dedicated card to decode Video, you do not need a very expensive one.

Thanks. i'll know for sure when it arrives in a week or two.