Running 720p videos in old pc.

[mainakrc]

I have a system config. Pentium 4(2.6 GHz),512 DDR1 RAM,64MB internel video memory,17" flat CRT monitor with 1024 by 728 pixel resolution and using intel extreme graphics.Whenever I try to play 720p/1080p,my monitor blacks out & have to restart my pc.Can you help me resolve the problem?Please.Every friend of mine is enjoying HD/Full HD videos while i've to still go with ordinary DVDRips!

[El Heggunte]

Man, you really need an ACTUAL (off-board) video card (either PCI-e or AGP). It shouldn't be very difficult to find and buy a 2nd-hand device, if your pocket or wallet is "too empty"

P.S.: Don't forget to upgrade the power-supply unit as well

[Selur]

I agree, with El Heggunte that the PC is not powerful enough to playback 720p/1080p and that a new video card might solve the problem thanks to gpu decoders. (assuming they exist for the material and OS combination you use)

But before buying a new graphic card, I would recommend to do some hardware (memory, heat, hdd, etc.) tests, because trying to playback 720p/1080p material on old hardware should not crash the system!!

[dragonkeeper]

Sounds like you could be experiencing some driver and/or software conflicts on your system.
But lets address the major things first. First off you didn't mention your OS and player.

1.Monitor Resolution: At 1024 x 768 you won't be able to enjoy 720p or 1080P movies as their resolutions are higher than your monitor. Your current resolution is higher than DVD but much lower than HD.

2. Processor Speed. If you ask the question "How fast a proc do you need to play HD video?" the answer in all the forums i frequent suggest at minimum of a dual core at 2.5 Ghz.

3. 512 DDR1 ram. This is a real bottle neck for your system, I would recommend at least 1 gb. preferably 2gb.

4. Internal video. Your onboard video is lacking, as EL Heggunte stated you need a video upgrade. At bare minimum i recommend an ATI 3450.

I believe the video is causing your system to go to a blank screen, it's receiving instructions that it doesn't understand or is unable to carry out. Try updating your video drivers to see if this goes away even if it does I seriously doubt you will be able to play HD video with your system as it is currently.

[oldfart13]

Definitely an underpowered system. Had to improve my old P4 3.0 GHz with a NVidea 512 Meg card I bought used for $40 and upgraded my DDR1 RAM to 2 Gig. That is probably the most expensive but I bought my RAM on sale so it only cost me $70. Plays 720p fine on my 32" flat screen TV using the DVI output...

[jagabo]

Intel always forgets to mention that "extreme graphics" means "extremely poor and several generations behind Nvidia and ATI". Get a new graphics card with hardware h.264 decoding. They start around US$50.

512 MB of memory isn't a problem for just playing video if you're running Windows XP.

[mainakrc]

Thank you for your advice.By the way i've planned to replace my current 8 years old pc with a new one next year.Then i'll enjoy HD & FullHD without any hassle!My budget is max. $600.Can you help me with a good configuration?I'll mainly prefer for entertainment & descent gaming!Should I go for AMD as i've heard that AMD & ATi Radeon graphics card give better performance than intel & ATi?

[jagabo]

$600 including a monitor or not?

The current AMD Llano chips are aimed at midrange systems and have respectable built-in graphics.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4476/amd-a83850-review
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/amd-a8-3850-llano,2975.html

The Intel Cedar Trail chips will be out by next year and they should have better graphics than the current Sandy Bridge chips. How much better remains to be seen...

In a $600 system you aren't limited to on-CPU or on-board graphics though. So you may be better off pairing a decent CPU and PCIe graphics card.

[Nelson37]

Spec'ing out a system more than 30 days before time of purchase is a total waste of time. Everything will change.

My current system is slower than yours and with a GT240 in it plays HD video just fine. Stock video, forget it.

[jagabo]

Spec'ing out a system more than 30 days before time of purchase is a total waste of time. Everything will change.

Agreed.

[edDV]

$600 will buy a good system including a better monitor now.

[jagabo]

It will buy a better system and monitor next year.

[edDV]

true, PC's/monitors are in decline and prices will be great next black Fri.

unfortunately, parts prices don't exactly follow consumer trends.