Intel T4300 + GMA 4500MHD - HD video?

How well would a laptop with these components handle HD video?

 

easily, no worries

 

As 'HD' in 4500MHD might implied, Intel claimed that 4500MHD has "Outstanding Blu-ray* logo capable, HD video playback with full hardware decode from AVC/VC1/MPEG2. Improved HDTV connectivity with integrated HDMI and DisplayPort* supporting up to 1080P".

(Sounds like advert, eh? sure copy-pasted from here )

Yes, it provides native Hardware-level decoding (I.e. not relying on CPU).

At least for HD video encoded with the mentioned codecs, it will perform quite well.

I've tried to watch some 1080p trailers and my CPU peaked 20% at the most with 10-15% usage average.

 

I'm guessing it would depend a lot on what you are using to watch the video right? Because many players use just CPU, which is slow, but the players that use GPU acceleration play it much more smoothly. Try Media Player Classic, VLC, or GOM Player. I think they all have GPU acceleration.

 

Hardware acceleration depends upon the GPU supporting acceleration of the specific video format you are trying to play and the software used to play the video supporting said hardware acceleration for the specific video format. Anyway, the T4300 + 4500MHD is capable of playing pretty much anything.

 

Playing around with laptops in a store, things seem choppy watching HD vids through youtube. Should I assume watching actual files on a media player will be significantly smoother?

 

Youtube isn't GPU accelerated, so to answer your question, yes.

 

Flash 10.1 will change that.

 

Just don't pair the 4500HD with a solo core. 1080p will make it cry.

 

What brand/model laptop(s) did you try out in the store (and have problems with the video)?

A lot of systems with the Pentium Dual-Core (T4200/T4300) and Celeron Dual-Core (T3000) processors are based on the Intel GL40 chipset rather than the GM45. The GL40 has the Intel GMA 4500M, while the GM45 has the GMA 4500MHD.

The GMA 4500M has a core speed of 400MHz, compared to the 4500MHD's 533MHz. The 4500M chip is technically capable of supporting the CPU to decode HD video content, but the slower clock rate is a hindrance.

The GL40 chipset is also limited to an FSB speed of 667MHz, despite the processor and memory being rated at 800MHz. The GM45 can have an FSB of 667, 800 or 1066MHz. You'll also want to find a GM45-based system if you need a DVI, HDMI or DisplayPort port for video output.

I know for a fact that HP, Toshiba, Acer, Gateway and Lenovo use the GL40 chipset with Celeron Dual-Core (T3000) and Pentium Dual-Core processors (T4200/T4300). ASUS uses the GL40 in the K40/K50/K70 models, even the ones with the Core 2 Duo T6600.

Dell doesn't only uses the GM45 chipset, even with the processors below the T4300. I'm not sure how much (or little) you want to spend, but the Inspiron 1545 is a great deal at $449 from Dell Direct- LINK. Best Buy and Staples carry the 1545 if you want to check it out it in person. But I suggest ordering it from Dell when you're ready to purchsase to get the best deal and most features. BEST BUY has a Jet Black 1545 for $479- LINK, but for $30 less you get all the same features plus an upgraded LED display, 15mos McAfee Security and 1-year LoJack for Laptops.

The 1545 isn't much of a looker- the matte, rubbery black lid is plain but it doesn't show fingerprints or smudges either; for some odd reason, the trim inside (display bezel, around keyboard, palm rest and touch pad) are glossy 'piano black' and it can be a fingerprint magnet.

If you have a little more to spend, the Inspiron 1440 is worth a serious look- LINK

 

The Acer Timeline's Core Solo had mad problems with 1080p.

 

My Atom-powered netbook with a GMA950 can *almost* play HD video. You should be fine as long as your CPU is decent.

 

I'm a little conflicted. I plan on getting a laptop and a desktop, but not quite sure which of the two I want to be the better of the two. Cost-wise it's just better to spend the money towards a desktop, cause I don't really need super mobile performance.

I told myself I'd never get a Vaio again, but Best Buy has this for $399 on friday.

BestBuy

I'm just concerned about the screen quality. My expectations are just too high now, cause I used to have an Asus G1. Screen on that thing was pretty gorgeous.

 

I despise glossy screens. I think I'm going to gouge me eyes out rather than get another glossy screen.

For $400, that is going to be hard to complain about though.

 

will work as long as u don't play games...

 

Well, I don't worry since my Core 2 Duo E6600 + X25-M G1 handles whatever HD its thrown at.

It seems from Anandtech's review, the latest flash does get accelerated on GPUs but have some problems.

 

Flash v10.1 is in public beta so i bet they will sort the issues before launching it.
And my brothers Compaq Presario CQ60 with its single core Celeron 900 at 2 GHz and its Intel GMA 4500 (GL40) doesent really work that great with gpu decoding.
Splash Media Player lite would not even boot up on it.
But if your going for a igp solution, get the GM45, GM47 or GS45. (CULV version)
Or you could get a cheap AMD Athlon II with a ATI Mobility Radeon 4000.
(Or AMD Turion II)

 

Thanks for this great info!