Deciding on a Processor With or Without Intel Clear Video HD Technology

elessarjd

Junior Member
Mar 6, 2013
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I'm building a small HTPC for my living room, only intend to play MKVs and stream HD content from Netflix and the like.
I'm trying to decide between an Intel Core i3-3225 ($133) or go budget with it and get an Intel Celeron G555 ($54).
From all of my research, it seems the Celeron is more than capable of handling 1080p content, locally or streamed. The only thing stopping me from settling on it is the i3 has Intel Clear Video HD Technology...
Intel Clear Video Technology (from wiki)
According to Intel, Clear Video Technology enables; Enhanced high-definition video playback, Sharper images, Precise color control, and Advanced display capability.
Intel Clear Video Technology Features and benefits:

  • MPEG-2 decode iDCT + motion compensation. Up to 2 stream support (1 HD and 1 SD)
  • De-interlacing Advanced pixel adaptive (SD/HD-1080i)
  • Color control ProcAmp: brightness, hue, saturation, contrast.
  • Video scaling 4x4 scaling
  • Digital Display Support (through SDVO) Digital Video Interface (DVI), High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
  • Display support RGB (QXGA), HDMI, UDI, DVI, HDTV (1080i/p, 720p), Composite, Component, S-Video (via Intel Serial Digital Video Out), TV-out, CRT
  • Aspect ratio 16:9, 4:3, letterbox
  • Maximum resolution support 2048 x 1536 at 75 Hz, RGB (QXGA)
I can find next to no personal accounts on how good this tech is or if it's just marketing flair. I have no idea if playback software must support it to benefit from it or not. I've seen a couple people in forums claim it's significantly better. It's really frustrating that no real world information is available about this tech. If what they say it does is true, it should be important to most HTPC enthusiasts. I just can't validate Intel's claims as of yet. Thoughts?
 

Jimzz

Diamond Member
Oct 23, 2012
4,399
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Why those 2?

I would at least try and get an Ivy Bridge based Pentium/Celeron CPU. Better IPC, lower power draw, and also updated video card. Like a G1620 or G2020.
 

elessarjd

Junior Member
Mar 6, 2013
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0
0
Why those 2?

I would at least try and get an Ivy Bridge based Pentium/Celeron CPU. Better IPC, lower power draw, and also updated video card. Like a G1620 or G2020.

Admittedly I'm a little behind on the CPU tech, as fast as it moves. I'll look into those, thanks for bringing them to my attention.

*edit* Looks like I'd probably get a G2020 instead of Celeron G555, but that still doesn't have Intel Clear Video Tech, which I'm not sure is a big deal or not.
 
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Insert_Nickname

Diamond Member
May 6, 2012
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Looks like I'd probably get a G2020 instead of Celeron G555, but that still doesn't have Intel Clear Video Tech, which I'm not sure is a big deal or not.

It isn't for that kind of usage. It only matters if you do advanced stuff like colour correction, sharpening and advanced deinterlacing. For simple playback its fine.
 

scannall

Golden Member
Jan 1, 2012
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Honestly, for an HTPC I'd go with an AMD A4 or A6. Much better video capabilities. And cheaper as well.
 

ShintaiDK

Lifer
Apr 22, 2012
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I use an old i5 661 with its IGP. Absolutely perfect for HTPC duty. Including every format and 1080p. So I assume any will do.

I say pick the Celeron.
 

elessarjd

Junior Member
Mar 6, 2013
8
0
0
Honestly, for an HTPC I'd go with an AMD A4 or A6. Much better video capabilities. And cheaper as well.

I used to be an AMD guy back in the day, but in recent years have been impressed with Intel's quality. But that was mainly for my gaming rig. I'll look into AMD based on your recommendation. As if my brain didn't hurt enough from the volume of information. lol
 

scannall

Golden Member
Jan 1, 2012
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I used to be an AMD guy back in the day, but in recent years have been impressed with Intel's quality. But that was mainly for my gaming rig. I'll look into AMD based on your recommendation. As if my brain didn't hurt enough from the volume of information. lol

For a gaming rig, I'm an Intel guy all the way. But when I built my HTPC I went with an AMD. Much better bang for the buck in that application.
 

Abwx

Lifer
Apr 2, 2011
11,681
4,582
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Lol , a random hollow forum as "prove"....
Have you actualy read the link you re providing.?..

The said bug hasnt and wont be adressed for current generations
Intel CPUs , it will likely be the case only starting from Haswell.


2 déc. 2012 05:51 According to Anandtech, Intel said it would fix 23.976 Hz output in Sandy Bridge. That never happened.
According to Anandtech again, Intel said it would fix 23.976 Hz output in Ivy Bridge. That also never happened.

5 févr. 2013 14:18

I had an open ticket with INtel on this issue. After some initial email passing back and forth on how to see this, it seems to have silently died away

http://communities.intel.com/thread/33253
 

ShintaiDK

Lifer
Apr 22, 2012
20,378
145
106
Lol , a random hollow forum as "prove"....
Have you actualy read the link you re providing.?..

The said bug hasnt and wont be adressed for current generations
Intel CPUs , it will likely be the case only starting from Haswell.






http://communities.intel.com/thread/33253

Hollow forum? Being said by a hollow aggressive barrel like you? ;)

I linked AV interested people saying it works. You linked...nothing but an unanswered question.
 

Abwx

Lifer
Apr 2, 2011
11,681
4,582
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I linked AV interested people saying it works.

They could have said that they are the Jackson 5 as well....

There's making a point, and then there's being an ass about it. You're clearly in the latter category. Take some time to reflect on this.
-ViRGE
 
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Jimzz

Diamond Member
Oct 23, 2012
4,399
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Admittedly I'm a little behind on the CPU tech, as fast as it moves. I'll look into those, thanks for bringing them to my attention.

*edit* Looks like I'd probably get a G2020 instead of Celeron G555, but that still doesn't have Intel Clear Video Tech, which I'm not sure is a big deal or not.


The G2020 is a good HTPC Cpu. The extra features on the I3 you will not notice IMO for a HTPC.

If you wanted to run a AMD system any A4 or A6, socket FM2, will also work great. It would have more features than the Intel side for HTPC but again I doubt you notice.

My HTPC is AMD based but my main computer is Intel. I buy the best bang for the buck. In either case, Intel Ivy Bridge or AMD FM2, will work fine. So buy based more on price and motherboard features.

Heres some AMD discounted kits from newegg that would make a great HTPC...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...=Combo.1224954

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...=Combo.1225057

If using AMD make sure to use fast ram like 1866 or in the 2000Mhz range.
 
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elessarjd

Junior Member
Mar 6, 2013
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The G2020 is a good HTPC Cpu. The extra features on the I3 you will not notice IMO for a HTPC.

If you wanted to run a AMD system any A4 or A6, socket FM2, will also work great. It would have more features than the Intel side for HTPC but again I doubt you notice.

My HTPC is AMD based but my main computer is Intel. I buy the best bang for the buck. In either case, Intel Ivy Bridge or AMD FM2, will work fine. So buy based more on price and motherboard features.

Thanks Jimzz. Below are some potential Intel and AMD builds. For near the same price, it seems like the Intel would be a no brainer, no? In my initial research the G2020 outperforms the A4-5300.

CPU: Intel Pentium G2020 2.9GHz Dual-Core Processor ($49.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: MSI B75MA-E33 Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($58.30 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: G.Skill 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($30.99 @ Newegg)
Case: HEC 7K09BBA30FNRX HTPC Case w/300W Power Supply ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $299.24


CPU: AMD A4-5300 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($49.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data Gaming Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($31.99 @ Amazon)
Case: HEC 7K09BBA30FNRX HTPC Case w/300W Power Supply ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $306.92
 

scannall

Golden Member
Jan 1, 2012
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Thanks Jimzz. Below are some potential Intel and AMD builds. For near the same price, it seems like the Intel would be a no brainer, no? In my initial research the G2020 outperforms the A4-5300.

CPU: Intel Pentium G2020 2.9GHz Dual-Core Processor ($49.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: MSI B75MA-E33 Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($58.30 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: G.Skill 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($30.99 @ Newegg)
Case: HEC 7K09BBA30FNRX HTPC Case w/300W Power Supply ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $299.24


CPU: AMD A4-5300 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($49.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data Gaming Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($31.99 @ Amazon)
Case: HEC 7K09BBA30FNRX HTPC Case w/300W Power Supply ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $306.92

The CPU on the Intel is more powerful. The built in GPU on the Intel is far weaker. And being an HTPC, it's the video part that matters more. Unless you're running Auto-cad on your TV... ;-)

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/HZMP
 
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2is

Diamond Member
Apr 8, 2012
4,281
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The CPU on the Intel is more powerful. The built in GPU on the Intel is far weaker. And being an HTPC, it's the video part that matters more. Unless you're running Auto-cad on your TV... ;-)

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/HZMP

HTPC video card isn't all that important considering either one can easily support all the popular formats with no problems whatsoever.

I'd go with the Intel, the better video on the AMD will do nothing for you as an HTPC machine but the more powerful CPU will help should you ever use this machine as a media server for other devices to stream from.
 

LoveMachine

Senior member
May 8, 2012
491
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If you're not gaming, go with the G2020 rig. For HTPC it's more than capable, will sip the juice and put out minimal heat. I was using a 7750 AMD card for a while and have switched back to the iGPU in my 3570K. Far fewer driver hassles (lots of HDMI handshake problems with AMD). Unless you plan on madVR rendering, it has plenty of power. Also, the 23.976 bug has been fixed, mostly, to my understanding. I've not noticed any jump/flicker using XBMC.
 

Jimzz

Diamond Member
Oct 23, 2012
4,399
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^^^^

The AMD system would have a better video card but the intel system would have a better CPU of those 2.

Also do you need the special power supply? I'm guessing you have a case already picked out?

Also if you are near a Microcenter they have the MSI FM2-A75MA-E35 board and the A10 5800K Quad AMD CPU for $140.

Of course MC also has the MSI B75MA-E33 and I3-3225 for $140.

But yea either of the systems look ok for a HTPC. I could have sworn there were cheaper ways to get Win8 legally. I think I paid $40 for mine, not sure if thats still a option.
 

elessarjd

Junior Member
Mar 6, 2013
8
0
0
^^^^

The AMD system would have a better video card but the intel system would have a better CPU of those 2.

Also do you need the special power supply? I'm guessing you have a case already picked out?

Also if you are near a Microcenter they have the MSI FM2-A75MA-E35 board and the A10 5800K Quad AMD CPU for $140.

Of course MC also has the MSI B75MA-E33 and I3-3225 for $140.

But yea either of the systems look ok for a HTPC. I could have sworn there were cheaper ways to get Win8 legally. I think I paid $40 for mine, not sure if thats still a option.

Dude, those Microcenter deals are outstanding and I do live near one.

I really just want what's best for decoding MKVs and streaming HD Netflix/Amazon.
 
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Phynaz

Lifer
Mar 13, 2006
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elessarjd

Junior Member
Mar 6, 2013
8
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Seems this has boiled down to an Intel i3-3225 or an AMD A10-5800k. Both are the same price in the Microcenter bundle so price isn't a concern. Based on benchmarks both CPU's perform comparably (slight edge to Intel). However, the AMD has a significantly better integrated GPU, but LoveMachine above mentioned AMD's have HDMI handshake issues. If I knew that wouldn't be a problem, I would just get the AMD, but I want it as hassle free as possible which leads me to the Intel. Hard decision.
 

scannall

Golden Member
Jan 1, 2012
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Seems this has boiled down to an Intel i3-3225 or an AMD A10-5800k. Both are the same price in the Microcenter bundle so price isn't a concern. Based on benchmarks both CPU's perform comparably (slight edge to Intel). However, the AMD has a significantly better integrated GPU, but LoveMachine above mentioned AMD's have HDMI handshake issues. If I knew that wouldn't be a problem, I would just get the AMD, but I want it as hassle free as possible which leads me to the Intel. Hard decision.


Searching the internet far and wide, the AMD handshake issue is confined to the discreet video cards. Not the APU's like the A-10. And easily resolved on the cards it does affect. It's easy enough to search for and read for yourself. ;-) More information is always a good thing.
 
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