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

FuturDreamz

FuturDreamz

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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?
 

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IceFire said:
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?
Click to expand...
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
 

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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.
 

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

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 8 Pro (32-bit)1.83GHz Intel Core Duo2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) (upgrade)ATI Radeon X1600 with 128MB GDDR3 memory
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Apple 17" iMac MA199LL (Early 2006)
OS
Windows 8 Pro (32-bit)
CPU
1.83GHz Intel Core Duo
Memory
2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) (upgrade)
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon X1600 with 128MB GDDR3 memory
Monitor(s) Displays
17-inch TFT active-matrix LCD, millions of colors
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900
Hard Drives
Hitachi 320GB HDT721032SLA360 7200RPM SATA II (upgrade)
Keyboard
Microsoft Wired Keyboard 600
Mouse
Microsoft Basic Optical Mouse v2.0
Internet Speed
4 Mbps
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials
Browser
Google Chrome
Other Info
WEI:
Base Score: 3.9 Processor: 4.4 Memory 4.7
Graphics: 3.9 Gaming Graphics: 4.1 Primary HD: 5.9
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