Intel vs. AMD integrated GPUs for HTPC & games

[Alvin Smith]

Just to get a better handle on HTPC and lite-game and multi-mon using the best and lates interated graphics from AMD and INTEL ... for client's sakes!

Still a bit (ok "VERY") fuzzy about the value and capabilities of these options ...

(1) Optimal platform (CPUs/mobos) from AMD and INTEL ?

(2) Game support ... benches?

(3) HTPC capability/viabilty (sound, # of HD streams, other "protocols")?

(4) Multi-mon support ... lite vs. intensive ?

(5) Interaction with other discreet GPUs? Gaming? Multi-mon?

(6) Other stuff I prolly don't even know about ?

Facts?, Articles?, Reviews?, Specs?, Educated testimonials and opinions?

Would especially like to hear from gKay, Admiral, Fang, Bat-Cat, and other value experts (all).

= Al = I understand if you blow this off ... just a hole in my knowledge-base (one of very many) ... thanks.

... PS: I have heard that i3 or i5 (not sure which) makes a great HTPC and has amazng i-GPU but I see 20 AMD/HTPC builds for every INTEL HTPC .. ?!

 

[Alvin Smith]

&BTW ...

What is the best (most standard) abbreviation for "integrated graphics". ... IGP?

= ? =

 

[tecmo34]

You want an AM3 for intergrated graphics over the i3/i5. Their intergraded graphics are more powerful than Intels. Also, the price for a build is much cheaper and provides higher performance compared to the i3/i5.

 

[Alvin Smith]

Soldiers! ...

... Well this other military guy (Naval Type) told me (just today) how swell the Intel solution is.

Hmmmm ... Lot's of chiming, please (if you have a "real" clue).

 

[shortstuff_mt]

I would use Intel if I was going to build a HTPC today. Intel's latest on-board graphics are only SLIGHTLY slower than AMD. An i3 system uses less power than an equivalent AMD build. Another big benefit of an Intel HTPC is their TrueHD/DTS-HD MA bitstreaming support.

There are plenty of reviews of what you're looking for so you don't have to take my word for it.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/2901

http://www.anandtech.com/show/2921

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/intel-clarkdale-core-i5-661,2514.html

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/intel-clarkdale-core-i5-661,2516.html

That's just a few I could grab real quick. You'll be able to find what you're looking for at just about any reputable review site.

 

[Alvin Smith]

Very kind and gracious of you, SS ... Thanks for the effort !

 

[Alvin Smith]

... And ... Just for that, I am going to curse you with a "Best Answer" ... Not because you need it ... not because I think this thread is fully resolved ... BUT ... I curse you with this "reward" because my own Avitar has been staring at me from the "Latest Best Answer Sidebar", for nearly 3 hours, now, and it is really starting to creep me out ... and also because it was one of those "un-deserved" best answers.

= TAG ! ... You're it !! =

 

[Alvin Smith]

Best answer selected by Alvin Smith.