780G or 790GX

[Modular]

Putting together a new HTPC and have a BE-2400 as well as 2GB of OCZ ram all ready to go. I'm just trying to decide on a motherboard. I really like the 780G and 790GX motherboards that I've been looking at (mostly the Biostar versions), but wasn't totally clear on which one would be best for HD decoding. I'd like to be able to use the IGP instead of an add-on board to save on power. This machine will not be used for gaming at all, it's strictly a HTPC.

So what chipset should I go with? Is the 780G enough for absolutely perfect HD decoding? I don't want any frame stuttering/drops at all.

 

[renethx]

Both are basically identical in video playback. The only difference between HD 3200 and HD 3300 is core clock 500MHz vs 700MHz which helps little for video playback. However SidePort memory is definitely plus for deinterlacing 1080i contents.

 

[Modular]

Originally posted by: renethx
Both are basically identical in video playback. The only difference between HD 3200 and HD 3300 is core clock 500MHz vs 700MHz which helps little for video playback. However SidePort memory is definitely plus for deinterlacing 1080i contents.

Thanks for the reply. I should add that the two HD tuner cards in the HTPC are 1080i content. You think that the 790GX is better for that? Or will it not make a difference?

 

[renethx]

You'd better choose a 790GX mb with SidePort memory.

 

[coolpurplefan]

I've read comments 780G is not the best, and the 790G also has the same issues.
http://forums.amd.com/game/mes...AR_FORUMVIEWTMP=Linear

However, the last driver, CAT 8.10 made the HD videos smoother. I've inquired around asking people what they think of the geforce 8200 chipset and they say it's solid. But I've read the upcoming Geforce 9300 is so good that it's worth waiting for it.

I have an Asus M3A78-EM and if I had to do it all over again, I don't think I would have bought it. After x-mas I might experiment by buying different RAM, a different motherboard from a different company. Like maybe get a Gigabyte or even Foxconn or Biostart, G.Skill or Corsair RAM, and either a quad core Deneb or something like an E8200 or E8400.

I don't know. I'll see because the Corei7 and Deneb are not out yet. And I'd rather not rush this time because I don't want to screw up again. My Asus M3A78-EM is solid with an 8800GS but didn't do well with the on-board HD3200 or even an HD4670. But the 3DMark06 score says it's way below average. As a matter of fact, it's 800 points lower than the highest score with the same kind of configuration for other systems.