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    Graphics card and Video performance

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by stonedzombie, Oct 25, 2007.

  1. stonedzombie

    stonedzombie Notebook Consultant

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    Hey everyone. I was thinking of upgrading my laptop from a core solo to a core duo processor. The thing is, I'm mainly doing it cause high quality video tends to be pretty choppy and I assume its because of the processor. So I'm wondering, does the graphics card have anything to do with movie/video performance? Or is that just processor power.....cause I would hate to spend 300 buxx getting a new processor and still be stuck with choppy video. Thanks!


    btw.....I have an hp dv6103nr 1.86 ghz core solo processor
    1gb ram
    intel 950 graphics card
     
    stonedzombie, Oct 25, 2007
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  2. Lithus

    Lithus NBR Janitor

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    Usually it's neither. My old Sempron system could play movies just fine. Most of the time, it's because the computer's virused up or buggy.
     
    Lithus, Oct 25, 2007
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  3. stonedzombie

    stonedzombie Notebook Consultant

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    well......its not reg. movies. Most are h264 files, if you're familiar with that. The quality of the video is way higher than SD but still may be a step down from HD. I'm thinking because the quality of the video is high, the performance is suffering. Reg. quality movie files run fine.
     
    stonedzombie, Oct 25, 2007
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  4. Lithus

    Lithus NBR Janitor

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    The video card can improve HD playback, the processor is the main component.
     
    Lithus, Oct 25, 2007
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  5. stonedzombie

    stonedzombie Notebook Consultant

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    so.....upgrading the processor will help some?
     
    stonedzombie, Oct 25, 2007
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  6. Lithus

    Lithus NBR Janitor

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    Yes, it's pretty much the limiter.
     
    Lithus, Oct 25, 2007
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  7. stonedzombie

    stonedzombie Notebook Consultant

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    good to know. I recently bought a 1720 Insprion for about 1400 but realized that I would never use to its full potential. I had here and I was pretty much using it the same way I used this computer. I dont play PC video games or use graphics intense apps......I just watch lots of video/browse the internet/and use word processor. There was just no reason for me to keep it......as I could do the same thing with this computer by getting a processor upgrade to run movies smoother!
     
    stonedzombie, Oct 25, 2007
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  8. stonedzombie

    stonedzombie Notebook Consultant

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    1 more quick question. Theoretically, if I were to upgrade the processor to a core duo 2.0 ghz, maybe add another 1gb stick of ram, would I be able to run 480p or maybe even 720p, even with the GMA 950? thanks
     
    stonedzombie, Oct 25, 2007
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  9. odin243

    odin243 Notebook Prophet

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    Video playback is not dependent on the GPU. Newer GPU's can help with HD playback, but it's not necessary if you have a good processor. Now I don't know what kind of processor is required for 720p playback, but I do know that your GPU won't limit you in that area.

    Edit: I believe a 2.0GHz P4 is recommended for 720p playback, so a 2GHz CD should be more than sufficient.
     
    odin243, Oct 25, 2007
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