What components of a GPU are important for video decoding?

Surtsey Ana · Jun 25, 2021

I have a very old HTPC and I have no interest in changing it at this time. However, 1080p in FireFox maxes-out the GPU on certain sites. The card is a basic HD6450 which offers two advantages over its alternatives (1) 18w TDP and (2) Passive cooling.

Will simply changing the card for one with increased clock and memory speeds suffice?

Vya Domus · Jun 25, 2021

Not really, GPUs have dedicated hardware blocks for encoding and decoding videos. If their limits are reached, it's not gonna matter how much clock speed you throw at them.

Long story short you need to get something as modern as possible, the specs don't really matter, the newer the card the more capable it is going to be at encoding and decoding.

Surtsey Ana · Jul 1, 2021

Thanks but your answer doesn't really help. There are no newer cards satisfying my criteria. The Radeon R5 230 is a rebranded HD6450. Fortunately, I am on my way to identifying the problem. The issue only occurs on BBC iplayer and is resolved by overclocking my card - utilization down to 91%.

timta2 · Jul 2, 2021

I bought a HD6450 over a decade ago and it was a garbage card then.

R-T-B · Jul 2, 2021

Surtsey Ana said:
For every question they default to 3 answers. (i) Update the drivers. (ii) Buy a new one. (iii) Throw more power at it.

Yes, when my mother at our family business asked why the FTP server was down today, I totally told her to update her drivers. It's an inside joke we have.

plastiscɧ · Jul 2, 2021

Vya Domus said:
Not really, GPUs have dedicated hardware blocks for encoding and decoding videos. If their limits are reached, it's not gonna matter how much clock speed you throw at them.

Long story short you need to get something as modern as possible, the specs don't really matter, the newer the card the more capable it is going to be at encoding and decoding.

and beside his correct information, RAM is needed as well.
picture programs love to snack your ram entirely and quite fast

Surtsey Ana said:
Thanks but your answer doesn't really help. There are no newer cards satisfying my criteria. The Radeon R5 230 is a rebranded HD6450. Fortunately, I am on my way to identifying the problem. The issue only occurs on BBC iplayer and is resolved by overclocking my card - utilization down to 91%.

I must say I'm learning that gamers are the dumbest people on the planet. For every question they default to 3 answers. (i) Update the drivers. (ii) Buy a new one. (iii) Throw more power at it.

but all these answers are the real truth...
bro

:eek:

newtekie1 · Jul 2, 2021

Surtsey Ana said:
I must say I'm learning that gamers are the dumbest people on the planet. For every question they default to 3 answers. (i) Update the drivers. (ii) Buy a new one. (iii) Throw more power at it.

And your solution to the problem was to throw more power at it. Pot meet kettle.

95Viper · Jul 2, 2021

Stay on Topic.
Stop the Insulting of others.
Report problems... don't become the problem.

Thank You
And, Have a Nice Day

eidairaman1 · Jul 2, 2021

Just grab a R9 270 or a RX 450/60.

bogmali · Jul 2, 2021

Never seen someone pull that kind of attitude when they're asking for help. Shutting it down.

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What components of a GPU are important for video decoding?

Surtsey Ana

Vya Domus

Surtsey Ana

timta2

R-T-B

plastiscɧ

newtekie1

Semi-Retired Folder

95Viper

Super Moderator

eidairaman1

The Exiled Airman

bogmali

In Orbe Terrum Non Visi

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