AW: need help with my new HTPC i7 config
The graphics drivers for Intel are even more worse compared to NVidia/AMD. Also Intel does not support 23.967 Hz refresh rate (and also not 59,976 Hz, only 24 and 60 Hz) so you will have no smooth playback. Choosing Intel integrated graphics for a HTPC is the worst decision one could make.
Integrated graphics are a no-go with Mediaportal (AMD, NVidia and Intel). The gui is stressful to the gpu and you will get dropped frames if you playback 1080i-video with the menu displayed at the same time (like channel selecting). Everyone who starts with integrated graphics with Mediaportal will regret it soon or later. You will get the best experience if you always use a dedicated graphics card for Mediaportal. The Radeon 5770 is a safe buy and you will never have performance problems with it. For Mediaportal I would recommand at least a Radeon 5470 or a Radeon 5550.
I would highly recommend you to reconsider your choice about radeon and ati/amd products. Because its mainly just some piece of shit. The reason you should stay away is crappy drivers, and faulty hardware.
The graphics drivers for Intel are even more worse compared to NVidia/AMD. Also Intel does not support 23.967 Hz refresh rate (and also not 59,976 Hz, only 24 and 60 Hz) so you will have no smooth playback. Choosing Intel integrated graphics for a HTPC is the worst decision one could make.
What i really would recommend you is an i3 or i5 with integrated graphics.
Integrated graphics are a no-go with Mediaportal (AMD, NVidia and Intel). The gui is stressful to the gpu and you will get dropped frames if you playback 1080i-video with the menu displayed at the same time (like channel selecting). Everyone who starts with integrated graphics with Mediaportal will regret it soon or later. You will get the best experience if you always use a dedicated graphics card for Mediaportal. The Radeon 5770 is a safe buy and you will never have performance problems with it. For Mediaportal I would recommand at least a Radeon 5470 or a Radeon 5550.