[SOLVED] Is GPU needed for an old PC for simple 1080p video?

[Sameer2099]

Hello.
I'm looking to get a used desktop for movies and browsing and stuff. Something similar to an i3 2100 or 3220. Now do I need to add a GPU to it, and if yes what would be the best cheapest option? Or is the CPU enough on its own?
I'm replacing an old Core 2 Duo + GT730 which died. Just want to get basic performance equal to that or a tad better. Nothing fancy.
Thanks.

 

[Lutfij]

Does and stuff include gaming? If so, then yes you need a discrete GPU. If it's just for browsing and consuming content in 1080(only) then no you don't need a discrete GPU. I've built an HTPC for a friend of mine using only the i3-2100 and an H67 motherboard by ECS, has been going strong since 2010.

What are the rest of your specs looking like?

 

[Sameer2099]

Does and stuff include gaming? If so, then yes you need a discrete GPU. If it's just for browsing and consuming content in 1080(only) then no you don't need a discrete GPU. I've built an HTPC for a friend of mine using only the i3-2100 and an H67 motherboard by ECS, has been going strong since 2010.

What are the rest of your specs looking like?

No, not for gaming. It would be for movies, word, email and general browsing, that's all.
And yes 1080p would be the max resolution for video because that's what my monitor is anyway.
The system I'm looking to get is either a i3 2100 + 8GB RAM + 250GB HDD. Or a i3 3220 (same ram and storage).
If you can suggest something better it would be great.

 

[TerryLaze]

1080p on youtube might be difficult but anything else should be ok.