Best Performance/Lightest Operating System

**beerhead500** · September 1st, 2010, 09:18 AM

I have Boxee running fine on my Win7 Quad Core, but really how hard is that?

I have an old server that work gave me.
It has MSI KD7 dual CPU mobo with 2 Athlon MP 2000+ Processor 1.6 Processors
I put an old Nvidia 6800GS
1 GB of RAM

So shouldn't this be enough to run Boxee? I am good enough at Linux(Ubuntu) to be dangerous. I figured this will be the lightest weight, but YouTube HD of Sorcerers Apprentice was choppy. Local HD was fine.

Is XP a better option because it is easier to setup Flash and I get Netflix?
Since I am a Linux novice, what are the first steps that I need to do and check to optimize my boxee setup?
WinXP same question, what are the first steps that I need to do and check to optimize my boxee setup?
Thanks all for the help

**darcilicious** · September 1st, 2010, 09:33 AM

Windows 7 seems to be best, as XP doesn't enable any GPU acceleration.

See minimum requirements and suggested hardware for best performance.

**beerhead500** · September 1st, 2010, 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by darcilicious

Windows 7 seems to be best, as XP doesn't enable any GPU acceleration.

See minimum requirements and suggested hardware for best performance.

Yes, I was surprised then realized it made sense. While Linux is the most light weight, it isn't quite as optimized for Flash and Sliverlight(non-existent DRM in Linux yet). As much as I like running Linux, it is pretty funny that I will get the best performance using the newest MS OS. Will delete the useless XP partition and do a fresh Win7 install following Mr. Roberts
http://www.pauljroberts.com/my-perso...hat-works-well

So that question was answered. Win7 is the best performing OS for boxee.

**beerhead500** · September 1st, 2010, 11:10 AM

Also just noticed that my GPU 6800GS isn't on the list of supported HW acceleration for FLash 10.1. Will still give it a shot.

**fatalmuzza** · September 2nd, 2010, 12:23 AM

The boxee GUI is much smoother on Ubuntu than Windows for me using a dual core Acer Revo in 1080p. Ubuntu is butter smooth 60fps, windows essentially half that resulting in some judder as screen elements move and scroll. Yeah it sux, I'm a Windows man.

**judgeschambers** · September 2nd, 2010, 06:06 AM

Originally Posted by beerhead500

Also just noticed that my GPU 6800GS isn't on the list of supported HW acceleration for FLash 10.1. Will still give it a shot.

Yes, even with Win-7 installed, your video card is not going to provide GPU acceleration. So an upgrade to something on the list will net you nice results when paired with your current hardware.

My Set Up specs you refer to in the link will basically apply to any Win-7 machine, though it is mostly geared to run a lean mean low powered Revo machine at its best.

As far as Windows-7 is the best OS? Well, that is subjective and I won't say that. Just don't use XP! Some guys don't care about complicated set up or a given limitation of one OS vs. another. Instead some soap box based on other biases (lower cpu overhead, open source, better graphics, no netflix, or whatever). It should come down to what gives the best balanced result=playing needed video formats on the given hardware used (hardware is 1/2 of it) and working when you hit the start button. But really, it's what serves your personal needs as either choice has its pros & cons.

Personally, Windows-7 provides that Balanced result and serves my personal needs= No complicated set up as fare as the OS is concerned, plays ALL video formats perfectly (flash, silverlight/Netflix, DVD, BR), works every time, and works very well on a low powered Atom/ion or a high power i7 PC.

Would Linux work? Sure it will. But possible audio issues and no Netflix were the major sticky points for me.

**judgeschambers** · September 2nd, 2010, 06:12 AM

Originally Posted by fatalmuzza

The boxee GUI is much smoother on Ubuntu than Windows for me using a dual core Acer Revo in 1080p. Ubuntu is butter smooth 60fps, windows essentially half that resulting in some judder as screen elements move and scroll. Yeah it sux, I'm a Windows man.

Revo boy here and mine is "butter" smooth with Windows-7. (though I don't much care what is used as long as the final result gives an "overall" best performance

) Every now and then guys preach FPS FPS FPS as the gold standard. That is not a good "standard" to determine the performance of a machine or OS.

Most likely cause for less than smooth performance is hardware and set up. Especially on a low powered Atom/Ion machine. Heck, the ION is limited to what, 24 hz output at 1080P? Hell, that could be part of it. There are sooooooo many variables that limit or hamper any given hardware config.

**beerhead500** · September 2nd, 2010, 08:38 AM

See as how Win7 looks like it won't recognize the second CPU on the board... I might be going back to Ubuntu anyway. Does Boxee run on Win2k? That was my fav OS. Win7 is good. Wish the Linux support was more up to snuff... Wife Approval Rating on cutting the cable cord is definitely lower if I don't have Netflix working so we shall see.

**beerhead500** · September 2nd, 2010, 09:10 AM

Since we are testing it.... Has anyone tried Windows 2003? Flash 10.1 has Windows 2003 support. Also taking your advice and looking at this since I am locked into AGP for video

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102851

**judgeschambers** · September 2nd, 2010, 06:39 PM

If I'm not mistaken, W2K is based on XP.

There are a few AGP cards for your mobo.

Newegg.com has a few ATI that meet the requirements
http://forums.boxee.tv/showthread.php?t=17907&page=2

Tigerdirect.com has a few ATI that meet the requirements
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...36_49449_49449

I prefer Nvidia. NEwegg does not have one. Tiger does not list one by search, but is listed in their catalog that I can't find.

Just reference the video cards I have listed in my First STop sig link and then narrow it to AGP first then by card series with the outputs you need.