Success with Intel HD Gfx / Core i3 + Windows 7 EVR

[ecsrun]

After repeated issues with an ATI 4550 graphics card and animation causing flickering in sagetv I gave up and returned my graphics card to the store.

I am now using the following setup:

Intel core i3-530 chip
MSI H55-E33 with builtin HDMI
2GB DDR3 Ram
Windows 7 32 bit

SageTV works flawlessly on this setup so far. The only program I have installed was Haali Media Splitter. I am using the built in microsoft H264 codecs and all of my 1080p content appears to play perfectly.

The core I3-530 has intel's new HD graphics built in to the processor itself. It seems like a definite improvement over a intel gma 4500 chipset. When using windows 7 with EVR (and sagetv set to EVR) all of the animation and transparency in sagetv works great.

I have tested TrueHD 7.1 sound via HDMI from this motherboard and I can report that is working as well.

I just wanted to share this news in case anyone else is considering the i3 chip for sagetv and had concerns with the chip's ability to do 1080p/EVR.

[Islander]

Thanks for posting this.

I was looking into these chips as an alternative to building a full blown computer to run SageTv after being just mildly impressed with the HTPC I built using an Atom 330.

Are you aware of any reviews comparing the i3 with the 330?

Most importantly, which case did you use?

Thanks.

[babgvant]

Haven't played with an i3 yet, but the media performance should be identical to the i5.

Atoms do OK, but they feel a bit slow compared to a stronger proc.

[Islander]

Originally Posted by babgvant

Haven't played with an i3 yet, but the media performance should be identical to the i5.

Atoms do OK, but they feel a bit slow compared to a stronger proc.

Thanks, I think I did have a look at your article when it first came up (I have subscribed to its feed) but not in much detail. Further news bits have gotten me interested in the i5 661 and thus now I will go back and revisit your article.

I have a Zotac MB and an N330 which I OC'd to 2ghz but it does feel sluggish. However since that was my first SageTv server it has been difficult for me to tell if some of that is related to SageTv. I have been meaning to move another of install SageTv on one of the quads or duos in the house to see how it performs.

Are you aware of any articles comparing the new cpus to the atoms? I am also in the market for a new htpc case that will work with the MB for the i5 661. Any favorites?

Thanks.

[babgvant]

Haven't seen any comparisons b/w Atom and Clarkdale. I reviewed an ION w/ a 330 a few months ago and while competent, Clarkdale is better in almost every way.

If you're looking for a CE looking LP case take a look at the Moneual 312. Little pricey, but very slick.

[Islander]

Originally Posted by babgvant

Haven't seen any comparisons b/w Atom and Clarkdale. I reviewed an ION w/ a 330 a few months ago and while competent, Clarkdale is better in almost every way.

If you're looking for a CE looking LP case take a look at the Moneual 312. Little pricey, but very slick.

Thanks for the further insight. It helps coming from someone having tested both cpus. You are right, that is a slick case but unfortunately Amazon is out of them, I will have to look around and see who else has it. The price isn't too bad and in the league of the one I was considering for the full blown quad (overpowered i know) SageTv server [Standard Atx Htpc Case by Antec].

Thanks.

[babgvant]

Newegg has them. The main drawback to the case is there is no active cooling, so you need to plan carefully.

FWIW, I ran the i5-661 in that case and it worked great