Upgrade CPU or GPU?

[kenkickr]

I have a HTPC system that contains:
Sempron 140
Gigabyte 785G( IGP 4200)
2Gb DDR3-1333
WD Blue 320Gb

I've tried unlocking the Sempy to a dualy which some days would work fine and on other days would be a pain in the dick. I do use Power DVD which supports AVIVO hardware acceleration but stutters like crazy. I can't tell if its the IGP or the proc causing it.

Would a x2 help out or grabbing a dedicated gpu be more beneficial.

[TheLaughingMan]

Originally Posted by kenkickr

I have a HTPC system that contains:
Sempron 140
Gigabyte 785G( IGP 4200)
2Gb DDR3-1333
WD Blue 320Gb

I've tried unlocking the Sempy to a dualy which some days would work fine and on other days would be a pain in the dick. I do use Power DVD which supports AVIVO hardware acceleration but stutters like crazy. I can't tell if its the IGP or the proc causing it.

Would a x2 help out or grabbing a dedicated gpu be more beneficial.

While the GPU is doing the video playback acceleration, the CPU is still need for overhead processing. Honestly it sounds like the disabled core in the Sempron is just not stable at stock speed of 2.7 Ghz. Since temperature can effect this, I would guess hotter days are when you get the problems out of it.

Try this, don't unlock the core and just use it as a Single core CPU. Believe it or not, that little monster is the faster single core CPU ever and should handle DVD playback no problem. If it is not as smooth as you want, OC it to about 3.1 ish as I got my old one to 3.2 with no voltage increases.

[kenkickr]

I'll try "Team America" here shortly since I brought it to work with me Thanks for the pointer

When we are home the AC is set to 76 F and the temps on the system never looked bad. I just figure I have one that doesn't unlock stable.

[TheLaughingMan]

Originally Posted by kenkickr

I'll try "Team America" here shortly since I brought it to work with me Thanks for the pointer

When we are home the AC is set to 76 F and the temps on the system never looked bad. I just figure I have one that doesn't unlock stable.

Probably right. Let me know how the playback is when you are running on just the 1 core.

[wolf]

the 4200 IGP should be more than enough for playback of media only, it really does sound like the issue stems from CPU, and again most likely the second core being unstable.

as TheLaughingMan said I'd go back to one core and aim for 3-3.2ghz, then we'll have a better idea of whats really going on.

[kenkickr]

So far so good running everything stock. Never once saw Team America jitter when playing with Power DVD 10.

[TheLaughingMan]

Originally Posted by kenkickr

So far so good running everything stock. Never once saw Team America jitter when playing with Power DVD 10.

There you go, sorry that other core is not stable, but for an HTPC that Sempron is more than enough.

[kenkickr]

I decided to say screw it and OC some with it. Right now priming @ 3.375Ghz on stock voltage.

Could the stability issue be due to the Minuet 350W only has a 4-pin but this Gigabyte 785G has a 8-pin? I might try it out when I get home and if that's why I guess this system will be going in the Ultra Microfly collecting dust.

[suraswami]

Did u enable hardware acceleration in PDVD settings (if you haven't)?

I am using a single core Sempron AM2 3400 @ 2.4Ghz + 9400GT + 2GB system ram and it plays Blue Ray DVDs perfectly, but only at 720P. More than that the system struggles.

In your case a cheap X2 240 will do the trick.

[cadaveca]

I run powerDVD on 3870 512mb and celery347(2.0ghz singlecore), with 2Gb of ram. I say that IGP might be the issue..because I'm running powerDVD @ 1920x1200.

[kenkickr]

Yes I did enable hardware acceleration in Power DVD. I'll find out tonight how it does on the Plasma and report back tomorrow morning.

[kenkickr]

I didn't get a chance last night to try a regular DVD on the plasma due to PowerDVD trying to read it as a Blu-ray and failing everytime. With regular Media Center Player it played just fine...as it did before but it was PowerDVD that would stutter.

I have some Best Buy money and 10% off coupon from them so should I grab a video card or save it for something else?

[TheLaughingMan]

Originally Posted by kenkickr

I didn't get a chance last night to try a regular DVD on the plasma due to PowerDVD trying to read it as a Blu-ray and failing everytime. With regular Media Center Player it played just fine...as it did before but it was PowerDVD that would stutter.

I have some Best Buy money and 10% off coupon from them so should I grab a video card or save it for something else?

I would not shop at Best Buy as their prices are really, really high. Second, I would be sure that the IGP is not enough before spending money on replacing it. That could be more you can use for more RAM, storage HDD, new CPU, better case, whatever.

[kenkickr]

Normally I don't anymore but we bought a TV from there so now have some Reward Zone money.

[TheLaughingMan]

Originally Posted by kenkickr

Normally I don't anymore but we bought a TV from there so now have some Reward Zone money.

Well I would go for a ATI 5550. That should be more than enough to drive a 1080p with no issues. Gaming would be limited to older titles and Indie games; however, pure HTPC that should be plenty of power to back up that Sempron. Something like this:

HIS H555HS1G Radeon HD 5550 1GB 128-bit DDR2 PCI E...

Post your results though, I am still curious about playback on the PowerDVD with the Sempron cause that software is processor hungry.