1080p + Windows 7 - Best Playback Performance?

[sciguyryan]

Hi all.

The following is the spec of my PC.

CPU: Intel Core i7 930 @ 2.8GHz per core
Memory: 12GB DDR3 1600MHz
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 250
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (SP1)
HD1: Corsair 60GB SSD SATA-2
HD2: Western Digital 2TB SATA-2

Now to my question. I've been playing some 1080p videos using MPC HC and they have been quite jittery. I'm looking for someone to suggest a codec pack and media player (plus any configuration advice) to get these playing optimally.

If I find out that I need to upgrade my GPU then I will do that anyway. Just looking for some advice before I go out and do that.

Any suggestions?

[chris1990]

I use the k-lite mega codec pack from free-codecs.com, it plays every file i've needed it to.

[sciguyryan]

I've not had many problems with it either (I use the same one) - but it does struggle with these 1080p MKV files. I'm wondering if it is a software thing or if I just need better hardware.

[TheBigB]

Do you have the latest graphics drivers from NVIDIA?

[sciguyryan]

I have the latest drivers as far as I'm aware.

[TheBigB]

Did you get them from the CD, Windows Update or NVIDIA site?

Anyway, driver updates (mostly) don't hurt, specially if they're not working properly.
http://www.nvidia.co.uk/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-uk
By the way, are you sure it's a GTX250 and not a GTS250?

You are by far not underpowered with your system.
I've seen an ION graphics processor render 1080p properly.

[sciguyryan]

Did you get them from the CD, Windows Update or NVIDIA site?

Anyway, driver updates (mostly) don't hurt, specially if they're not working properly.
http://www.nvidia.co.uk/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-uk
By the way, are you sure it's a GTX250 and not a GTS250?

You are by far not underpowered with your system.
I've seen an ION graphics processor render 1080p properly.

I download the drivers myself manually. I check them once a month for any updates.

You're correct. My mistake it is a GTS 250. I was looking at a GTX card earlier and I guess I got the names mixed up.

I guess I could try a clean windows install to see if that fixes it. I don't think it a driver issue because 720p videos play with little issue.

[stanav]

Have you tried VLC player? I have no problem playing 1080p content on my HTPC's which don't have specs anywhere as powerful as yours. Just install VLC alone - no additional separate codec packs needed.