[mythtv-users] Standard PCI VDPAU-capable Video Cards vs. PCIExpress

[Brian Wood]

I have several Socket 939 systems, which I would like to upgrade to be 
able to use VDPAU. They all have AGP and PCI slots, and no PCIExpress.

I see two options:

Replace the motherboards with ones that have a PCIExpress slot, and use 
PCIExpress VDPAU-capable video cards. I'd have to do that quickly, as I 
suspect Socket 939/PCIExpress mobos won't be available for too much 
longer.

Use the current mobos, and standard PCI video cards that can do VDPAU.

Obviously the second choice will save money, but I'm concerned about the 
limitations of using standard PCI video cards.

The cost of the PCI and PCIExpress video cards is similar, so choice 2 
will only save the cost of the mobos, which is not that much. I really 
want to save the cost of replacing the CPUs and the RAM, which either 
option will do.

So the real question is, what would I be giving up by using standard PCI 
video cards, is anyone using them with a Myth system, and what, if any, 
problems is it leading to? OSD problems? Speed problems when the CPUs 
are throttled?

Any thoughts would be appreciated, as always.