Discrete GPU for non-gaming worth it?

[jkauff]

I have a Z77 MB with i5 3570K overclocked to 4.5 and Intel HD4000 integrated graphics. I'm mostly interested in Blu-ray video playback quality and occasional video encoding. I currently use Intel QuickSync for both encoding and decoding video.

Would a discrete GPU offer me any advantages? From what I've read, CUDA encoding yields about the same quality as QuickSync, but maybe it would cut down on my encode times.

I don't want to pay $400 for a GT 670, which has over 1100 CUDA cores, so I'm looking at 570 boards which only have a few hundred cores.

Is this worth the investment, or should I stick with what I have? I don't play any games, so that's not a factor.

 

[pauldun170]

None whatsoever.
No need for discrete GPU in your case.

 

[Jimzz]

Unless you are a pro and making money off it I would stick with what you have.

You could try a lower end card like a GT610 or a 6450 to see if they help but I doubt it would turn up much.

 

[jkauff]

Thanks, guys. That's what I suspected, but it's nice to have it confirmed (and save a couple hundred dollars).

 

[daveybrat]

Thanks, guys. That's what I suspected, but it's nice to have it confirmed (and save a couple hundred dollars).

Yup, the HD 4000 integrated graphics on your 3570K are more than enough for what you are doing.

I wouldn't even waste $50 on a discrete card.

 

[Denithor]

QuickSync kicks the crap out of other GPU-assisted video encoding. See the chart at the bottom here:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5871/intel-core-i5-3470-review-hd-2500-graphics-tested/2

That stacks up QuickSync on HD 4000/2500 against a GTX 680 and an HD 7970. No comparison, really.

Stick with what you have.