Update an old AGP system to HDD/BD with ATI 2XXX

[pm1961]

There are well documented threads on here about the problems with ATI 2XXX AGP cards; corrupt screens, no acceleration etc.............. including the problems I had.......

HD 2XXX AGP acceleration problems - Anybody else had them?

Well, I'm chuffed to report that the wait has been worthwhile.

I've just installed this card;

Sapphire HD 2400 Pro AGP

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...odid=GX-163-SP

It worked straight out of the box!

My Sempron2800/DDR/AGP golden oldie now happily plays HDD/BD from my networked server without any stuttering at all. Connected to my Samsung plasma via DVI/adapter/HDMI cable, the Sempron chugs away in the range 40-80% CPU, depending on which codec its playing. It's not got to 100% yet apart from loading up in the first place.

For those interested, the HDD/BD films are stored as .iso on my server (itself another Sempron machine) , mounted on the above box with Daemon Tools and played back with AnyDVD/PowerDVD.

No registry hacks or amendments, just watch and enjoy!

Interestingly, the disc provided had CCC 7.10, not the 7.12 which was being heralded as the Saviour of these problems. Since it works, I'll be leaving well alone for the time being.

I can't think of a better way of spending £40 if you are looking to bring an old machine back to life for Media duties.

Regards,

PM