New video card - new stutter

[Ken C]

And things were going so well ....

Installed a new video card, Sapphire 1950 Pro AGP, and am impressed with the PQ. However, there is now stuttering where there was none before. Seems to occur whenever there are multiple video streams, 3 or 4 being recorded and watching another.

It's a gigabit LAN and have never experienced stutter before. Checked the network media server hard drives with both Seagate's Disk Wizard and MS Chkdsk, all checks ok.

Of course, the old video card is not available ...

Could the new card be causing the problem or should I look elsewhere ?

[Conejo]

Could be driver related.

CHECK:
1. "Administrative Tools > Performance [System Monitor]" while recording the multiple streams. Topping out?
2. SageTV setup of FSE, Decoders, Renderer
3. Driver Advanced Settings [Performance vs Quality]

[Ken C]

Originally Posted by Conejo

Could be driver related.

CHECK:
1. "Administrative Tools > Performance [System Monitor]" while recording the multiple streams. Topping out?
2. SageTV setup of FSE, Decoders, Renderer
3. Driver Advanced Settings [Performance vs Quality]

Thanks for the tips.

The system monitor jumps to 90+ % when recording 4 videos and watching a fifth, and lots of stutter. Changed to performance mode and it drops to 60-70%. PQ still looks ok. Interesting, it jumps to 90% if looking at the Sage Recording Schedule screen.

I also 'upgraded' to Java 1.6, think I'll drop back to 1.4 and see if anything changes.

Looks like this video card chews up a lot of processor cycles.

More later ...

[Ken C]

Well, it gets more interesting. Seems like the issue is a inadequate power supply.

The HTPC gave up the ghost completely. It got to the point the machine would turn on, run for about 20 seconds, and die. Turns out the power supply can't deal with the power requirements of the new video card. The video card box says it needs at least a 450 watt supply (12 v @ 30 amp). The p/s stressed and, finally, died.

Now, I'm running an old ATI 9700 card and the PQ doesn't look too bad.

So, suggestions for a new, quiet p/s ?? Is Cooler Master a good one ?

[Polypro]

Seasonic has never let me down.

P

[Ken C]

Seasonic has a 5 year warranty as well. I'll watch Newegg for a sale.

However, maybe this is a sign from the Sage gods to wait for the HD MVP. Relocate Sage to the 'back room where its easier to maintain. A HD MVP next to the widescreen along with an upscaling DVD player and you're good to go. And, the HD MVP is due any day now !!