Which CPU for GPU-free 1080p video?

[Jake_UK]

Hi all,

I'm having trouble getting google to answer the above question. I'm about to embark on building a new mITX gaming system (see thread) and am thinking about also building a very similar HTPC with slightly slimmed down specs... which is where this question comes in:

If the HTPC is going to be all about playing streaming media from the net and decoding video files from a HDD at 1080p (maximum), what's the minimum CPU I need? If I use the same Shuttle as the gaming system is going to get, it'll be a Z77 chipset MoBo so we're talking socket 1155 CPUs but which has the grunt to do all the video work without any separate GFX card?

Thanks!

[shaithis]

Any CPU with an IGP will chew up 1080p video.

I'd be looking at AMD mainly, due to value for money.

[Jake_UK]

I may change my mind back 'Plan A' then! Plan A is a HP ProLiant microserver which for ~£150 after cashback is cheap as chips (excuse the pun in the CPU forum!) for an entire system in such a small package and is cheaper than just the case+PSU+MoBo bundle from Shuttle (though not quite as good looking admittedly).

It has AMD's Turion II Neo @ 1.5Ghz which according to Wikipedia has Radeon HD 4225 IGP... so shouldn't struggle with any 1080p source at all do you think (no matter what the encoding)?

[Lee H]

I've had no issues with 1080p video using the IGP in a 2500K and been using my system with XBMC a lot with the IGP driving a 40" samsung LED TV.

I hope this information helps

[shaithis]

Yeah, that IGP will even do 3d BluRay.

[Jake_UK]

Yeah, that IGP will even do 3d BluRay.

Excellent! Thank you very much!

[PowerPie5000]

I would seriously consider AMD'S Trinity APU's for a HTPC build (FM2 platform)... The integrated GPU's wipe the floor with anything Intel have to offer .

You can get the AMD A10-5800K for less than £100 and pair it with a cheap FM2 motherboard. You can even add a low/mid end Radeon card to enable hybrid crossfire with the integrated GPU.

[PowerPie5000]

I may change my mind back 'Plan A' then! Plan A is a HP ProLiant microserver which for ~£150 after cashback is cheap as chips (excuse the pun in the CPU forum!) for an entire system in such a small package and is cheaper than just the case+PSU+MoBo bundle from Shuttle (though not quite as good looking admittedly).

It has AMD's Turion II Neo @ 1.5Ghz which according to Wikipedia has Radeon HD 4225 IGP... so shouldn't struggle with any 1080p source at all do you think (no matter what the encoding)?

I also use the HP N40L as a nice little HTPC... I would buy a dedicated GPU though if you want HDMI or DVI outputs (mine has a 1GB Sapphire Radeon 6450 installed). You will also need an audio device as it doesn't have a sound chip (i use the Radeon's HDMI audio, but you can install a PCI sound card or use a USB sound card ). Nice little machines and the Turion II Neo is better than any Intel Atom.

[scaryjim]

Personally I'd wait a month, then get a Trinity-based A4-5300 once it drops to the rumoured $30 (< £25 in the UK?). Add it to a cheap A55 mobo + generic ram and you'll have a great HTPC for less than £100...

[DanceswithUnix]

All depends on what quality level you are aiming at. Basic video decoding it pretty much a done deal these days and any modern CPU can do it (the one in that microserver is getting rather old mind).

However, things like de-interlace are often done one the gpu (even flash acceleration) so you do want a bit of grunt there.

Anandtech seem to like the new Trinity chips: http://www.anandtech.com/show/6335/a...-perspective/7

[shaithis]

Nice point powerpie, I forgot they only have VGA output.

[ladcrooks]

HTPC = AMD by the looks of it!

[PowerPie5000]

All depends on what quality level you are aiming at. Basic video decoding it pretty much a done deal these days and any modern CPU can do it (the one in that microserver is getting rather old mind).

However, things like de-interlace are often done one the gpu (even flash acceleration) so you do want a bit of grunt there.

The Microserver still gets the job done and is fine with all HD media including 3D Blu-ray's (with the Radeon 6450 installed). It's a good economical 'low power' system that outperforms any Intel Atom. The whole system uses around 45-50W under load (that's with extra memory, dedicated GPU and Blu-ray drive). I've been happy with mine so far (it also makes a great retro gaming emulation box ).