eyo technlogies For your PC needs
+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 4 1234 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 63

Thread: Question: Integrated Vs. Add-on Options

  1. #1
    Ext User(Darren Harris) Guest

    Question: Integrated Vs. Add-on Options

    Can anyone tell if if integrated options on a motherbaord, like video,
    audio, firewire, ect., a better idea than using add-on cards if the
    priority is to avoid configuration problems when building a system?

    Thanks a lot.

    Darren Harris
    Staten Island, New York.

  2. #2
    Ext User(DaveW) Guest

    Re: Question: Integrated Vs. Add-on Options

    On-board video is a VERY bad idea. It uses a cheap video chipset that runs
    3D poorly and puts a real strain on the CPU and system RAM that slows the
    system down.

    --
    DaveW



    "Darren Harris" <Searcher7@mail.con2.com> wrote in message
    news:9437a27c.0403011416.57a6a793@posting.google.c om...
    > Can anyone tell if if integrated options on a motherbaord, like video,
    > audio, firewire, ect., a better idea than using add-on cards if the
    > priority is to avoid configuration problems when building a system?
    >
    > Thanks a lot.
    >
    > Darren Harris
    > Staten Island, New York.




  3. #3
    Ext User(DaveW) Guest

    Re: Question: Integrated Vs. Add-on Options

    On-board video is a VERY bad idea. It uses a cheap video chipset that runs
    3D poorly and puts a real strain on the CPU and system RAM that slows the
    system down.

    --
    DaveW



    "Darren Harris" <Searcher7@mail.con2.com> wrote in message
    news:9437a27c.0403011416.57a6a793@posting.google.c om...
    > Can anyone tell if if integrated options on a motherbaord, like video,
    > audio, firewire, ect., a better idea than using add-on cards if the
    > priority is to avoid configuration problems when building a system?
    >
    > Thanks a lot.
    >
    > Darren Harris
    > Staten Island, New York.




  4. #4
    Ext User(Dick Sidbury) Guest

    Re: Question: Integrated Vs. Add-on Options

    Darren Harris wrote:
    > Can anyone tell if if integrated options on a motherbaord, like video,
    > audio, firewire, ect., a better idea than using add-on cards if the
    > priority is to avoid configuration problems when building a system?
    >
    > Thanks a lot.
    >
    > Darren Harris
    > Staten Island, New York.


    It depends. I'd say that built in USB, Firewire, serial, parallel,
    network are better on the motherboard.

    Sound is probably at least as good on the MB and definitely cheaper.

    RAID is probably better in terms of configuration but probably not as
    good in terms of performance.

    Video is likely to be worse on board just because of performance,
    although I have two systems with dual video in Shuttle barebones
    systems. But these systems are for video editing and web work rather
    than game play.

    Obviously YMMV, IMHO.

    dick


  5. #5
    Ext User(JAD) Guest

    Re: Question: Integrated Vs. Add-on Options

    The most important thing is "what are you going to with it"? Giving
    any advice without knowing this, is merely speculation.

    "Darren Harris" <Searcher7@mail.con2.com> wrote in message
    news:9437a27c.0403011416.57a6a793@posting.google.c om...
    > Can anyone tell if if integrated options on a motherbaord, like

    video,
    > audio, firewire, ect., a better idea than using add-on cards if the
    > priority is to avoid configuration problems when building a system?
    >
    > Thanks a lot.
    >
    > Darren Harris
    > Staten Island, New York.




  6. #6
    Ext User(Dick Sidbury) Guest

    Re: Question: Integrated Vs. Add-on Options

    Darren Harris wrote:
    > Can anyone tell if if integrated options on a motherbaord, like video,
    > audio, firewire, ect., a better idea than using add-on cards if the
    > priority is to avoid configuration problems when building a system?
    >
    > Thanks a lot.
    >
    > Darren Harris
    > Staten Island, New York.


    It depends. I'd say that built in USB, Firewire, serial, parallel,
    network are better on the motherboard.

    Sound is probably at least as good on the MB and definitely cheaper.

    RAID is probably better in terms of configuration but probably not as
    good in terms of performance.

    Video is likely to be worse on board just because of performance,
    although I have two systems with dual video in Shuttle barebones
    systems. But these systems are for video editing and web work rather
    than game play.

    Obviously YMMV, IMHO.

    dick


  7. #7
    Ext User(Christopher Pollard) Guest

    Re: Question: Integrated Vs. Add-on Options

    On 1 Mar 2004 14:16:45 -0800, Searcher7@mail.con2.com (Darren Harris) wrote:

    >Can anyone tell if if integrated options on a motherbaord, like video,
    >audio, firewire, ect., a better idea than using add-on cards if the
    >priority is to avoid configuration problems when building a system?


    It will avoid configuration problems, and all the drivers will go in easily, but
    onboard video is not such a good idea. Audio, firewire, network etc. will be
    fine though.

    Chris Pollard

    --
    CG Internet café, Tagum City, Philippines
    http://www.cginternet.net

  8. #8
    Ext User(JAD) Guest

    Re: Question: Integrated Vs. Add-on Options

    The most important thing is "what are you going to with it"? Giving
    any advice without knowing this, is merely speculation.

    "Darren Harris" <Searcher7@mail.con2.com> wrote in message
    news:9437a27c.0403011416.57a6a793@posting.google.c om...
    > Can anyone tell if if integrated options on a motherbaord, like

    video,
    > audio, firewire, ect., a better idea than using add-on cards if the
    > priority is to avoid configuration problems when building a system?
    >
    > Thanks a lot.
    >
    > Darren Harris
    > Staten Island, New York.




  9. #9
    Ext User(mcheu) Guest

    Re: Question: Integrated Vs. Add-on Options

    On Tue, 02 Mar 2004 11:04:50 +0800, Christopher Pollard
    <rubbish@cginternet.net> wrote::

    >On 1 Mar 2004 14:16:45 -0800, Searcher7@mail.con2.com (Darren Harris) wrote:
    >
    >>Can anyone tell if if integrated options on a motherbaord, like video,
    >>audio, firewire, ect., a better idea than using add-on cards if the
    >>priority is to avoid configuration problems when building a system?

    >
    >It will avoid configuration problems, and all the drivers will go in easily, but
    >onboard video is not such a good idea. Audio, firewire, network etc. will be
    >fine though.
    >
    >Chris Pollard


    I beg to differ on the audio front. While there are good performers
    in integrated audio like nVidia's SoundStorm (integrated with
    nForce2Ultra), the more common integrated audio chipsets are from
    Realtek and Cirrus Logic. Audio quality will be good, but there will
    be a performance penalty involved, and not just in gaming. If you're
    doing something that's CPU intensive and using the audio capabilities,
    you may experience some weirdness. Noteably, some general
    sluggishness, or some glitching in the audio playback/recording.
    ----------------------------------------
    Thanks,
    MCheu

  10. #10
    Ext User(Christopher Pollard) Guest

    Re: Question: Integrated Vs. Add-on Options

    On 1 Mar 2004 14:16:45 -0800, Searcher7@mail.con2.com (Darren Harris) wrote:

    >Can anyone tell if if integrated options on a motherbaord, like video,
    >audio, firewire, ect., a better idea than using add-on cards if the
    >priority is to avoid configuration problems when building a system?


    It will avoid configuration problems, and all the drivers will go in easily, but
    onboard video is not such a good idea. Audio, firewire, network etc. will be
    fine though.

    Chris Pollard

    --
    CG Internet café, Tagum City, Philippines
    http://www.cginternet.net

  11. #11
    Ext User(mcheu) Guest

    Re: Question: Integrated Vs. Add-on Options

    On Tue, 02 Mar 2004 11:04:50 +0800, Christopher Pollard
    <rubbish@cginternet.net> wrote::

    >On 1 Mar 2004 14:16:45 -0800, Searcher7@mail.con2.com (Darren Harris) wrote:
    >
    >>Can anyone tell if if integrated options on a motherbaord, like video,
    >>audio, firewire, ect., a better idea than using add-on cards if the
    >>priority is to avoid configuration problems when building a system?

    >
    >It will avoid configuration problems, and all the drivers will go in easily, but
    >onboard video is not such a good idea. Audio, firewire, network etc. will be
    >fine though.
    >
    >Chris Pollard


    I beg to differ on the audio front. While there are good performers
    in integrated audio like nVidia's SoundStorm (integrated with
    nForce2Ultra), the more common integrated audio chipsets are from
    Realtek and Cirrus Logic. Audio quality will be good, but there will
    be a performance penalty involved, and not just in gaming. If you're
    doing something that's CPU intensive and using the audio capabilities,
    you may experience some weirdness. Noteably, some general
    sluggishness, or some glitching in the audio playback/recording.
    ----------------------------------------
    Thanks,
    MCheu

  12. #12
    Ext User(Conor) Guest

    Re: Question: Integrated Vs. Add-on Options

    In article <9437a27c.0403011416.57a6a793@posting.google.com >, Searcher7
    @mail.con2.com says...
    > Can anyone tell if if integrated options on a motherbaord, like video,
    > audio, firewire, ect., a better idea than using add-on cards if the
    > priority is to avoid configuration problems when building a system?
    >

    For a low end system it's OK but for high end work no. Onboard audio
    for example may cause lower framerates in intensive action in games.
    There is NO difference with configuration problems between onboard and
    dedicated.
    --
    Conor

    Polymodal Rapid Response Point to Point Vehicular Transit Specialist

  13. #13
    Ext User(Conor) Guest

    Re: Question: Integrated Vs. Add-on Options

    In article <9437a27c.0403011416.57a6a793@posting.google.com >, Searcher7
    @mail.con2.com says...
    > Can anyone tell if if integrated options on a motherbaord, like video,
    > audio, firewire, ect., a better idea than using add-on cards if the
    > priority is to avoid configuration problems when building a system?
    >

    For a low end system it's OK but for high end work no. Onboard audio
    for example may cause lower framerates in intensive action in games.
    There is NO difference with configuration problems between onboard and
    dedicated.
    --
    Conor

    Polymodal Rapid Response Point to Point Vehicular Transit Specialist

  14. #14
    Ext User(~misfit~) Guest

    Re: Question: Integrated Vs. Add-on Options

    DaveW wrote:

    <top posting fixed>

    > "Darren Harris" <Searcher7@mail.con2.com> wrote in message
    > news:9437a27c.0403011416.57a6a793@posting.google.c om...
    >> Can anyone tell if if integrated options on a motherbaord, like
    >> video, audio, firewire, ect., a better idea than using add-on cards
    >> if the priority is to avoid configuration problems when building a
    >> system?
    >>
    >> Thanks a lot.
    >>
    >> Darren Harris
    >> Staten Island, New York.


    > On-board video is a VERY bad idea. It uses a cheap video chipset
    > that runs 3D poorly and puts a real strain on the CPU and system RAM
    > that slows the system down.


    What a wide ranging and crap statement that is! If office use is all the
    machine is going to be used for then on-board graphics are fine. If it's a
    home machine and a little light gaming may come into it then an nForce 2
    mobo with integrated GeForce 4 graphics may be more than adequate.

    I'm into gaming and wouldn't personally use on-board graphics but also I
    wouldn't make such a broad statement as you did without knowing to what use
    the computer is going to be put.

    The question was quantified by "if the priority is to avoid configuration
    problems when building a system". Doesn't say jack about gaming there does
    it?
    --
    ~misfit~



  15. #15
    Ext User(kony) Guest

    Re: Question: Integrated Vs. Add-on Options

    On Wed, 3 Mar 2004 22:34:31 +1300, "~misfit~" <misfit61nz@yahoomung.co.nz>
    wrote:

    >DaveW wrote:


    !@#$<crap>!@#@$

    >What a wide ranging and crap statement that is!


    LOL.

    I laugh with you, not at you.

    Ya know, DaveW's on a streak, it seems intentional... might be a whole
    new breed of "hit and run troll".



  16. #16
    Ext User(kony) Guest

    Re: Question: Integrated Vs. Add-on Options

    On Tue, 02 Mar 2004 01:56:26 -0500, mcheu <mpcheu@yahoo.com> wrote:


    >I beg to differ on the audio front. While there are good performers
    >in integrated audio like nVidia's SoundStorm (integrated with
    >nForce2Ultra), the more common integrated audio chipsets are from
    >Realtek and Cirrus Logic. Audio quality will be good, but there will
    >be a performance penalty involved, and not just in gaming. If you're
    >doing something that's CPU intensive and using the audio capabilities,
    >you may experience some weirdness. Noteably, some general
    >sluggishness, or some glitching in the audio playback/recording.
    >----------------------------------------


    I'd have to differ with that...

    Audio quality for most every integrated audio is poor unless it's
    exclusively digital... analog in and out is poor. Apparently there isn't
    enough real-estate on motherboards for sufficient filtering.

    I dont know that the performance penalty is all that significant though,
    the price differential of the less-CPU-intensive solutions often makes it
    cost effective to just buy a faster CPU if that small performance penalty
    during audio playback is really THAT important.

    I've not noticed this sluggishness or glitching you refer to though, but
    most of the low-end integrated audio I've been dealing with is from CMI
    8738 chipset... then again, my old Aureal Vortex cards sound better than
    nForce soundstorm does, not referring to gaming but general 2D sound.

  17. #17
    Ext User(kony) Guest

    Re: Question: Integrated Vs. Add-on Options

    On 1 Mar 2004 14:16:45 -0800, Searcher7@mail.con2.com (Darren Harris)
    wrote:

    >Can anyone tell if if integrated options on a motherbaord, like video,
    >audio, firewire, ect., a better idea than using add-on cards if the
    >priority is to avoid configuration problems when building a system?
    >
    >Thanks a lot.
    >
    >Darren Harris
    >Staten Island, New York.


    Well you've received a lot of feedback about (a lot of things outside your
    question).

    Onboard integrated features may have their IRQs set better, which is good
    for the simple old OS, but Windows can reassign IRQs so that's not as
    significant anymore, plus you can always swap around PCI cards to
    different slots.

    Otherwise you'll have the same configuration issues with the integrated
    feature(s) as you would with same chipset (or in some cases, very similar
    technology or system performance requirements) add-on cards. RAID cards
    are no different than integrated if they have same chipset (which many do)
    except onboard RAID is often the "lite" BIOS version so only RAID 0, 1, or
    0 +1 are options.

    Onboard video is the same, if that particular chipset wouldn't be
    problematic as an AGP card you shouldn't expect problems as an integrated
    feature. Same with network adapter except they almost always work fine,
    just a bit slower and higher CPU utilization (not very significant) than
    high-end solutions like Intel Pro adapters. Sound can be more troublesome
    but that's mostly due to quick-n-dirty drivers, either it works or else
    most people abandon it for a similarly cheap $10 audio card. If you know
    you need very high-end pro quality or special featured audio then you'll
    want to buy the exact audio card you need.

    The bottom line is that you should build the system you want, keeping your
    fingers crossed but mostly putting a fair amount of research into the
    particular motherboard, for example in motherboard forums like
    http://forums.amdmb.com or a newsgroup dedicated to the respective
    motherboard manufacturer. Don't get in a rush and impulse buy the
    cheapest (thing) out there.

    If you use common, fairly modern hardware from the larger manufacturers
    there's a lower chance of configuration or compatibility problems, and the
    better motherboard manufacturers will issue an appropriate number of BIOS
    revisions to combat any bugs, sometimes even issues with particular
    popular hardware that isn't really a motherboard problem per se.

    Keeping the details you accumulate in mind, you can just build it any way
    you want, integrated or non. For the most part building systems is TOO
    easy, you'll get overconfident and overlook something obvious while
    getting wrapped up in the finer details... it helps to be fully awake, no
    after-midnight builds.

  18. #18
    Ext User(~misfit~) Guest

    Re: Question: Integrated Vs. Add-on Options

    DaveW wrote:

    <top posting fixed>

    > "Darren Harris" <Searcher7@mail.con2.com> wrote in message
    > news:9437a27c.0403011416.57a6a793@posting.google.c om...
    >> Can anyone tell if if integrated options on a motherbaord, like
    >> video, audio, firewire, ect., a better idea than using add-on cards
    >> if the priority is to avoid configuration problems when building a
    >> system?
    >>
    >> Thanks a lot.
    >>
    >> Darren Harris
    >> Staten Island, New York.


    > On-board video is a VERY bad idea. It uses a cheap video chipset
    > that runs 3D poorly and puts a real strain on the CPU and system RAM
    > that slows the system down.


    What a wide ranging and crap statement that is! If office use is all the
    machine is going to be used for then on-board graphics are fine. If it's a
    home machine and a little light gaming may come into it then an nForce 2
    mobo with integrated GeForce 4 graphics may be more than adequate.

    I'm into gaming and wouldn't personally use on-board graphics but also I
    wouldn't make such a broad statement as you did without knowing to what use
    the computer is going to be put.

    The question was quantified by "if the priority is to avoid configuration
    problems when building a system". Doesn't say jack about gaming there does
    it?
    --
    ~misfit~



  19. #19
    Ext User(kony) Guest

    Re: Question: Integrated Vs. Add-on Options

    On Wed, 3 Mar 2004 22:34:31 +1300, "~misfit~" <misfit61nz@yahoomung.co.nz>
    wrote:

    >DaveW wrote:


    !@#$<crap>!@#@$

    >What a wide ranging and crap statement that is!


    LOL.

    I laugh with you, not at you.

    Ya know, DaveW's on a streak, it seems intentional... might be a whole
    new breed of "hit and run troll".



  20. #20
    Ext User(kony) Guest

    Re: Question: Integrated Vs. Add-on Options

    On Tue, 02 Mar 2004 01:56:26 -0500, mcheu <mpcheu@yahoo.com> wrote:


    >I beg to differ on the audio front. While there are good performers
    >in integrated audio like nVidia's SoundStorm (integrated with
    >nForce2Ultra), the more common integrated audio chipsets are from
    >Realtek and Cirrus Logic. Audio quality will be good, but there will
    >be a performance penalty involved, and not just in gaming. If you're
    >doing something that's CPU intensive and using the audio capabilities,
    >you may experience some weirdness. Noteably, some general
    >sluggishness, or some glitching in the audio playback/recording.
    >----------------------------------------


    I'd have to differ with that...

    Audio quality for most every integrated audio is poor unless it's
    exclusively digital... analog in and out is poor. Apparently there isn't
    enough real-estate on motherboards for sufficient filtering.

    I dont know that the performance penalty is all that significant though,
    the price differential of the less-CPU-intensive solutions often makes it
    cost effective to just buy a faster CPU if that small performance penalty
    during audio playback is really THAT important.

    I've not noticed this sluggishness or glitching you refer to though, but
    most of the low-end integrated audio I've been dealing with is from CMI
    8738 chipset... then again, my old Aureal Vortex cards sound better than
    nForce soundstorm does, not referring to gaming but general 2D sound.

+ Reply to Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts