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Thread: Downgrading from 4850 to 4550 HD Playback

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    Senior Member Alistair's Avatar
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    Downgrading from 4850 to 4550 HD Playback

    Currently running a Sapphire 4850 Toxic in my HTPC. I don't game so think its a bit OTT. Looking at the Gigabyte 4550. Will this be sufficient for HTPC duties or would I run into any issues with HD playback with this card?

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    Re: Downgrading from 4850 to 4550 HD Playback

    The 4550 should be fine for running all manor of HD content in a HTPC.

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    Re: Downgrading from 4850 to 4550 HD Playback

    Quote Originally Posted by mac124 View Post
    The 4550 should be fine for running all manor of HD content in a HTPC.
    Thanks, just wanted some reassurance

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    Re: Downgrading from 4850 to 4550 HD Playback

    Probably don't even need that, a HD2400pro or similar will still do the job.

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    Re: Downgrading from 4850 to 4550 HD Playback

    Oddly, my "spare" 3870 wouldn't play The Dark Knight Blu-ray well, which is the first disc it's coughed on.... bought a nice little Sapphire 4550 (fan cooler, silent though) and it doesn't bat an eyelid at anything I've thrown at it so far.

    Maybe bit rate of The Dark Knight in the first IMAX scene at the start is a bit heavy, but the 3870 was a no go at all and had jumpy/choppy playback. Can only assume the 3870 wasn't doing full HD decode offload for some reason, whereas the 4550 on the same hardware with the same driver set works perfectly.

    4550 recommended though.

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    Re: Downgrading from 4850 to 4550 HD Playback

    How much are you likely to get for the 4850?

    And how much is a 4550?


    If I'm honest I'd consider it too much a palaver to change, and if my 4850 is to go by, for little tangible reward.

    The 4850 is energy efficient, quiet, and packs a punch. What more do you want?

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    Re: Downgrading from 4850 to 4550 HD Playback

    If you wanna offload that 4850, keep me in the loop

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    Re: Downgrading from 4850 to 4550 HD Playback

    I should do ok selling the 4850 if i ebay it (still selling for 150 approx. new). I'm losing my job at the end of the month so every little helps

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