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gaiko
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Hi, I am using a (so far) capable MSI netbook with XBMC at the moment and it does ok with video less 720 and smaller but the browsing isn't stellar. I have gone and converted everything to .dds which helped immensely but alittle more umf would be nice. I wanted to check, for now but especially for future versions of XBMC would doing something like adding a beefy PC Card/Graphics Card help? (help not only with video playback but also with browsing?). Any thoughts on this (not including "buy a new computer" [not helpful]).
Cheers,
-Gaiko
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Generally, no, a better GPU won't help with XBMC interface speed. Any GPU made in the last three years can easily handle the XBMC interface. Plus you can't upgrade the GPU in a netbook.
What can significantly speed up the interface is trading in your netbook's HD for a SSD.
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gaiko
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poofyhairguy Wrote:Generally, no, a better GPU won't help with XBMC interface speed. Any GPU made in the last three years can easily handle the XBMC interface. Plus you can't upgrade the GPU in a netbook.
What can significantly speed up the interface is trading in your netbook's HD for a SSD.
Actually I was thinking a PC Card GPU which are out there (used one on an old notebook, did wonders for gaming but hey). Anyway, its a mot point if a better GPU wouldn't help. But the thought about an SSD is interesting, thanks for that!
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I'm thinking as well taht the SSD will help more than video. XBMC from what I understand is not accelerated at all by the GPU. The XBMC interface is probably bottlenecked in IO more than anything else.
I saw a huge increase in performance switching from a "slow" laptop drive on an Aton/ION to a SSD. That is until the OCZ drive failed. GO with a Corsair or Mushkin SSD if you're looking to spring for one. Or even try a USB stick with XBMC Live if you want. I bet you'll be surprised...
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Intel SSD's are also rock solid and somewhat the reliability benchmark others are compared to.
