ASRock CoreHT 252B Review
by Ganesh T S on September 2, 2011 3:45 AM EST- Posted in
- HTPC
- Intel
- ASRock
- Media Streamer
One of the main issues with Intel's integrated GPU solutions for HTPC users was the absence of 23.976 Hz refresh rate support. When Sandy Bridge was launched, it was discovered that the 23 Hz setting could be activated and made to function as intended if UAC was disabled. With v2372 drivers, the disabling of UAC became unnecessary.
While we don't get perfect 23.976 Hz yet, it is definitely much better than the earlier scenario. Though there are user reports of lip sync still being an issue (particularly when used with a projector), we were unable to corroborate this finding. Personally, I managed to watch two complete movies at their native refresh rate without losing lip sync in our test setup.
23.976 fps Video Playback (MPC-HC/EVR-CP) with 23Hz Refresh Rate Setting
24 fps Video Playback (MPC-HC/EVR-CP) with 24Hz Refresh Rate Setting
The 24 Hz refresh rate feature works as before. Unfortunately, the drifting in the refresh rates doesn't seem to average to 23.976 Hz in the first case. The player locks to 23.972 fps, which implies a skipped frame every 250s (~4 minutes). The scenario seems similar for other refresh rates.
Another aspect we found irritating with Intel's GPU control panel is the custom resolution section. Intel seems very reliant on EDID and doesn't allow the user to input any frequency not supported by the display. I recently got hold of a display (Sony KDL46EX720) to help test 3D as well as multiple refresh rates. Since the unit was sold in the US, it doesn't indicate PAL compatibility in its EDID information. I was able to play back PAL videos with matched refresh rates using the Vision 3D (NVIDIA GT 425M), but Intel's control panel wouldn't allow me to set up 50 Hz as the display refresh rate. It is possible that an EDID override might help, but we can't help complaining about Intel's control panel not being as user friendly as NVIDIA's.
In the next section, we will look at how the integrated GPU in the ASRock CoreHT 252B handles cadence detection and deinterlacing.
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ganeshts - Friday, September 2, 2011 - link
There is a no-OS option. (in fact, that is what will be sold mostly)For Linux drivers.. well, let us not go down that road right now.
martajd - Sunday, September 4, 2011 - link
Read the article. It CLEARLY says in the specifications chart "Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (Retail unit is barebones)"That means NO OS IS DEFAULT. It's not Asrock that has the stupidity.
DaveSimmons - Friday, September 2, 2011 - link
Item#: N82E16856158025, that's pretty high for no Windows or blu-ray software.($87 for PowerDVD).ganeshts - Friday, September 2, 2011 - link
If this is anything like the Vision 3D, I bet the price will definitely go down, or there will be a rebate / combo deal of some sort to sweeten things up. I stand by what I said in the review.. if they get the price down to the Core 100's launch price, I will have no hesitation in recommending the unit.ypsylon - Saturday, September 3, 2011 - link
External power supply is instant kill for any HPTC system. What is the point of SFF if you have to use external PSU? You can't move the case without moving PSU.No thank you AsRock. Small Lian-Li cube will do nicely.
miahallen - Saturday, September 3, 2011 - link
"The ASRock CoreHT 252B is primarily built out of notebook components, and it is not possible for the average enthusiast to build such a system with off-the-shelf components."Yes it is...I did about 3 months ago (with the H67 version) and I've been quite heppy with it.
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t228/miahallen/...
miahallen - Saturday, September 3, 2011 - link
This is the low cost version w/o BluRay but with an SSD...more similar to what I built.http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t228/miahallen/...
At only $400, it's a steal next to the version in this article.
ganeshts - Sunday, September 4, 2011 - link
I only intended to convey that it is not possible for consumers to build a desktop with a mobile procsesor / mobile chipset.However, yes, you have an interesting build with a similar power profile. Andrew at MissingRemote also has a similar build reviewed: http://www.missingremote.com/review/intel-core-i3-... : This uses the more HTPC centric motherboard from Intel.
Lolimaster - Tuesday, September 6, 2011 - link
Should be a better deal buying a E-350 APU/Mobo combo. Why have intel subpar image quality gpu?ganeshts - Tuesday, September 6, 2011 - link
350 is too weak. Higher end Llanos are good, but need some driver work in the common scenarios like 1080p60 AVCHD decode.Intel is pretty good for the average consumer. If you are a stickler for image and video quality, go with AMD, and if you want the best of freeware / open source software to do the work for you, go with NVIDIA.