ddrueding
Fixture
Encoding?
Low powered computer thread
- Thread starter Santilli
- Start date
Santilli
Hairy Aussie
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2002
- Messages
- 5,286
If you have a better benchmark for video playback feel free to post it.
Mercutio
Fatwah on Western Digital
It's not really something that needs to be benchmarked. Either your computer can handle modern compressions and resolutions or it can't. Video decoding in most cases is a matter of having hardware support in the GPU; the only edge cases are when you're dealing with something that doesn't support modern codecs or something so low-end that support isn't available.
Santilli
Hairy Aussie
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2002
- Messages
- 5,286
I'm trying to establish a baseline of what components are likely to function quickly enough to fulfill office functions and video playback.
Blu-ray does tax some low end systems.
Define the floor of Blu-ray playback for CPUs and GPUs.
At least 27" screen, 1080P.
The point of a benchmark is so you don't have to BUY a computer to find this out:
"Either your computer can handle modern compressions and resolutions or it can't."
Blu-ray does tax some low end systems.
Define the floor of Blu-ray playback for CPUs and GPUs.
At least 27" screen, 1080P.
The point of a benchmark is so you don't have to BUY a computer to find this out:
"Either your computer can handle modern compressions and resolutions or it can't."
sdbardwick
Storage is cool
AMD A4-3300 ($65)
Mercutio
Fatwah on Western Digital
Decoding VP8 or x.264 is something that's supported by every modern GPU from Intel and AMD. If you've got something that has a Radeon HD 3x00 or its equivalent (that's a ~4 year old chipset), it's baked in. Intel is in a little different boat, since the older and still common GMA3x00 series integrated graphics is missing some hardware decode support, but anything that's branded Intel HD graphics should be fine.
If you're looking at workstation or server hardware, you'll run into some oddball stuff. SuperMicro is shipping motherboards right now with decade old Matrox chips and I've seen ATI Rage and S3 stuff on reasonably modern motherboards as well. That's not low end but video decoding isn't exactly a normal usage in that case.
Yes, it's completely possible to put together a new machine that can't do hardware high definition video decoding. You'd probably have to start with something that still needs LGA775 and pair it with something that uses old integrated graphics from Intel.
Even for a machine like that, as long as it's a desktop it should be possible to add some kind of proper dedicated graphics if you saw that it was an issue. Buy the least expensive revision of a modern-ish ATI card and the problem should go away.
Stereodude
Not really a
Has a lot of floating point math AFAIK.
Stereodude
Not really a
I'm not knowledgeable about VP8, but x264 video can be encoded in such a way that they can't be DXVA hardware decoded. Likewise hardware DXVA decoding only works if the encode uses the proper settings. Blu-Ray's however support hardware decoding.
Santilli
Hairy Aussie
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2002
- Messages
- 5,286
Thank you all for the suggestions. It's time to move forward on replacing components.
I can't seem to find a full sized motherboard for a decent price from Gigabyte for this socket. Looks like I'm going with the mini:
GIGABYTE GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128495
119.00
Intel Core i3-2120T
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115094
135.00
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115078
The 2100 or 2120 seems to be a better value, speed/money wise, but, it's a 65W vs 35W chip.
At the levels I would be running I wonder if I'd see much difference?
Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1600Mhz 1.35v CT2KIT51264BD160B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148477
38.00
The better of the two Seasonic's in the two dead machines: 500W
Use the Vertex Turbos, 30 gigs, one for XP SP3 one for 7.
Hot Swap Antec drive bay.
External Bluray player by Plextor.
Jury is out on this:
Antec KUHLER Shelf 120 mm
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...9030&Tpk=Antec KUHLER Shelf 120 mm
52.00
I do have Vantec 80 MM Stealths in the back of the case.
Total cost around 300 dollars.
Fast enough, and thank you all for your suggestions.
I can't seem to find a full sized motherboard for a decent price from Gigabyte for this socket. Looks like I'm going with the mini:
GIGABYTE GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128495
119.00
Intel Core i3-2120T
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115094
135.00
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115078
The 2100 or 2120 seems to be a better value, speed/money wise, but, it's a 65W vs 35W chip.
At the levels I would be running I wonder if I'd see much difference?
Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1600Mhz 1.35v CT2KIT51264BD160B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148477
38.00
The better of the two Seasonic's in the two dead machines: 500W
Use the Vertex Turbos, 30 gigs, one for XP SP3 one for 7.
Hot Swap Antec drive bay.
External Bluray player by Plextor.
Jury is out on this:
Antec KUHLER Shelf 120 mm
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...9030&Tpk=Antec KUHLER Shelf 120 mm
52.00
I do have Vantec 80 MM Stealths in the back of the case.
Total cost around 300 dollars.
Fast enough, and thank you all for your suggestions.
CougTek
Hairy Aussie
A 52$ cooler to sit on top of a 35W processor :thumbright: Go Greg. I found Newegg to be quite an expensive place to buy heatsinks. If that's your only choice and you absolutely don't want to stick with the retail heatsink (which is good enough for a dual-core i3) and you also want a top-down cooler, then opting for something like the Cooler Master Gemini S524 would at least have the merit to save you some cash. I personally prefer Scythe or Thermalright heatsinks because the fans they ship with those are generally quieter than average, but Newegg doesn't seem to sell Thermalright's stuff and they are too expensive on Scythe's coolers.
Replacing your old Vantec Stealth by Nexus 80mm fans should also bring the noise of your system down. Thinking about it, omiting the case fans entirely would also bring the noise down. For such a low power build, they are almost certainly optional rather than mandatory.
Replacing your old Vantec Stealth by Nexus 80mm fans should also bring the noise of your system down. Thinking about it, omiting the case fans entirely would also bring the noise down. For such a low power build, they are almost certainly optional rather than mandatory.
Santilli
Hairy Aussie
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2002
- Messages
- 5,286
I think David explained the idea behind that cooler. He uses it to move air in the case and turns off the case fans to bring down noise. Thank you for the suggestions. I'll have a look at those as an alternative. Unlike DD, sometimes I do NOT want
to spend a lot of money when maybe the stock cooler would work, or just turning on one of the 80mm fans, and using the stock cooler.
This is SO weird. Yesterday we had a power black out. It put the UPS on Battery. The computer*HTPC) wouldn't boot. I rebooted the UPS, let it charge back up, and the computer just started up.
Yesterday GF came over and was in my room, since her computer wouldn't start up, while she waited for me. She needed the computer so she could take notes for her class.
I can't figure out what would cause it to be so flaky. Do the switches on Antec 160's go bad? Most of you probably don't have spoiled rich brats for girlfriends. My GF expects, and has had before, my tech support, along with everyone's here,
and enjoyed the benefits with little understanding of the problems. Due to this, that is one of the reasons I would like to still hang on to the stupid Xerox printer/copier. She's used to it, and works well with it. I can't tell you how priceless that is.
I know I just replaced the power supply in the server before it went south.
Cougtek I want to clear a bit of air. You, and everyone here has been very helpful. I'm sorry I take stuff off topic, like I'm doing right now, but, I sort of thought that was one of the really neat features of this forum, that most didn't care, or accepted that that happens.
Also I get money in splurges, with problems in splurges. Right now my car can't make up it's mind if it wants to start, needs a control arm, and has some oil leaks.
On the otherhand, it ran fine after I push started it this morning.
At the same time I have the IRS sitting on the right with the hand out saying if you don't spend money on your home office system, we are going to take it anyway.
to spend a lot of money when maybe the stock cooler would work, or just turning on one of the 80mm fans, and using the stock cooler.
This is SO weird. Yesterday we had a power black out. It put the UPS on Battery. The computer*HTPC) wouldn't boot. I rebooted the UPS, let it charge back up, and the computer just started up.
Yesterday GF came over and was in my room, since her computer wouldn't start up, while she waited for me. She needed the computer so she could take notes for her class.
I can't figure out what would cause it to be so flaky. Do the switches on Antec 160's go bad? Most of you probably don't have spoiled rich brats for girlfriends. My GF expects, and has had before, my tech support, along with everyone's here,
and enjoyed the benefits with little understanding of the problems. Due to this, that is one of the reasons I would like to still hang on to the stupid Xerox printer/copier. She's used to it, and works well with it. I can't tell you how priceless that is.
I know I just replaced the power supply in the server before it went south.
Cougtek I want to clear a bit of air. You, and everyone here has been very helpful. I'm sorry I take stuff off topic, like I'm doing right now, but, I sort of thought that was one of the really neat features of this forum, that most didn't care, or accepted that that happens.
Also I get money in splurges, with problems in splurges. Right now my car can't make up it's mind if it wants to start, needs a control arm, and has some oil leaks.
On the otherhand, it ran fine after I push started it this morning.
At the same time I have the IRS sitting on the right with the hand out saying if you don't spend money on your home office system, we are going to take it anyway.
Santilli
Hairy Aussie
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2002
- Messages
- 5,286
I'm currently owed over 2000 dollars. 1325 just came in yesterday, and that isn't part of the 2000. California school districts are incredibly slow to pay, and that lack of cash flow makes me very reluctant to pull the trigger on certain options, and computer stuff.
When I do, I want to make sure I'm getting the best value for my dollars. There is one constant: what you pay 100 dollars for today in tech, will be worth 50 in two weeks(Except my AGP 4670 card, which, like the dodo, brings a lot of money since nothing is close).
When I do, I want to make sure I'm getting the best value for my dollars. There is one constant: what you pay 100 dollars for today in tech, will be worth 50 in two weeks(Except my AGP 4670 card, which, like the dodo, brings a lot of money since nothing is close).
Santilli
Hairy Aussie
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2002
- Messages
- 5,286
Now the HTPC, which didn't start for awhile, is starting up everytime. :scratchinghead: icon needed.
So, until I'm sure it's dead I'll let the parts prices go down and the bios fixes come out. In other words let the rest of the market
do the beta work for the companies.
So, until I'm sure it's dead I'll let the parts prices go down and the bios fixes come out. In other words let the rest of the market
do the beta work for the companies.
fb
Storage is cool
Santilli
Hairy Aussie
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2002
- Messages
- 5,286
I'll have a look. This was the same board that the other processor died in, exhibiting the same symptoms. Eventually the memory controller on the chip went. Something on the board is causing this or it's the chips time to die.
No more trying to fix it. I am about ready to go for a new setup.
No more trying to fix it. I am about ready to go for a new setup.
Howell
Storage? I am Storage!
Don't forget to voltage regulate your UPSs.
time
Storage? I am Storage!
:diablo:
Howell
Storage? I am Storage!
:diablo:
ddrueding
Fixture
Just finishing a significantly low-voltage build:
Intel i3-2120T
Gigabyte GA-Z77X-D3H
OCZ NOC-MSATA120G
2x Crucial 4GB 1.35v
PicoPSU 65W
Still getting Win7 installed on it, but next chance I have I'll get it on a Kill-a-watt.
Intel i3-2120T
Gigabyte GA-Z77X-D3H
OCZ NOC-MSATA120G
2x Crucial 4GB 1.35v
PicoPSU 65W
Still getting Win7 installed on it, but next chance I have I'll get it on a Kill-a-watt.
ddrueding
Fixture
Windows Experience Index:
CPU: 6.9
RAM: 7.4
GPU: 5.2
Game: 5.8
HDD: 7.7
CPU: 6.9
RAM: 7.4
GPU: 5.2
Game: 5.8
HDD: 7.7
ddrueding
Fixture
I've gone through 2 kill-a-watts and the numbers can't be right. <7W idle and ~10W max load. I'll try to find something more accurate for these small loads.
time
Storage? I am Storage!
It's a little clunky, but the Belkin Conserve Insight has been bench tested and proven accurate for low loads - at 230V anyway.
Most of the other cheap inline power meters can't handle Power Factor issues and give nonsensical results.
I find it worth having a quality meter around like about any fluke that has seen calibration. Adding an amp clamp isn't a stretch to add from there. I am still very sad my 8060A died, thinking about getting it repaired but my work requires me to have a couple of the newer series 87 meters so I am not lacking. Also the batter on my 123 is dead, but works enough to turn on when plugged in for five minutes or so.
time
Storage? I am Storage!
AFAIK, clamps are useless for low loads. You'd also need your multimeter to be able to properly integrate voltage and current to get true RMS under inductive loads, as opposed to just an average.
ddrueding
Fixture
time
Storage? I am Storage!
Okay, I'm impressed - VERY impressed. I assume the only fan is the stock Intel CPU fan? Do you have a link to the Pico PSU?
ddrueding
Fixture
http://www.mini-box.com/picoPSU-80
I unplugged the SATA/Molex cable completely. Very clean build.
And yes, stock HSF only. If it were going to be used more intensely I would put on a mondo HSF to be sure the chipset and RAM got some airflow.
I unplugged the SATA/Molex cable completely. Very clean build.
And yes, stock HSF only. If it were going to be used more intensely I would put on a mondo HSF to be sure the chipset and RAM got some airflow.
Mercutio
Fatwah on Western Digital
How do you attach the P4 power connector to one of those?
How often do they die from having crappy external transformers?
How often do they die from having crappy external transformers?
ddrueding
Fixture
It has a 4-pin P4 power connector hanging off of it. Crappy transformers are an issue, particularly if you don't keep them cool. I've gotten heatsinks from these guys before and epoxied them to the outside of the bricks. Never had one of those die.
ddrueding
Fixture
Let me clarify. Some of their models have a P4 connector, some don't. Make sure you order the right one.
Edit: I believe this is the one on this machine.
time
Storage? I am Storage!
Doesn't that adapter just pass the 12V line straight through? I suspect the super numbers are more due to whichever brick that you're using.
Any chance you can plug in a conventional PSU to see what difference it makes to the numbers? I'm starting to think that the 400W PSUs I'm using are running below 50% efficiency most of the time.
Any chance you can plug in a conventional PSU to see what difference it makes to the numbers? I'm starting to think that the 400W PSUs I'm using are running below 50% efficiency most of the time.
ddrueding
Fixture
The only spare PSU I have is a 1200W Corsair...I'll try it tonight.
BingBangBop
Storage is cool
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2009
- Messages
- 667
The efficiency of a 1200W PS at 13W-40W is supposed to suck. Most PS seem to be at their highest efficiency at 50% max and drop off on both sides. A high efficiency PS will drop off less but nothing will do well at this extreme. You need a low power PS to operate efficiently at 13W-40W.