Boost Your Video Transcoding: Intel Quick Sync vs CUDA & CPU

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Intel Quick Sync?
3. Equipment Requirements
   1. Intel Ivy Bridge or Sandy Bridge Processor
   2. Motherboard with Onboard Video Outputs
   3. Compatible Converting Program
4. Enabling Quick Sync
   1. Using Onboard Video
   2. Using a Dedicated Graphics Card
   3. Installing Virtu Application
5. Configuring Virtu Control Panel
6. Testing Performance
   1. No Hardware Acceleration
   2. Nvidia CUDA
   3. Intel Quick Sync
7. Time Savings and Efficiency
8. Conclusion

How to Use Intel Quick Sync to Optimize and Convert Your Media Library

In this article, we will explore how to use Intel Quick Sync to quickly and easily convert your entire media library to a format that is optimized for various portable devices such as iPhones, iPads, and other phones and tablets. We will discuss the benefits of using Quick Sync over other methods, the equipment requirements, and step-by-step instructions on how to enable and configure Quick Sync. Additionally, we will perform performance tests to compare the different scenarios and demonstrate the time savings and efficiency of using Intel Quick Sync. So, if you're tired of struggling with incompatible media playback on your portable devices, Read on to discover how Quick Sync can solve your problem.

Introduction

Playing back media on portable devices can sometimes be challenging due to compatibility issues. Different devices support different formats, resulting in the need to convert your media library into a compatible format. Intel Quick Sync offers a solution by providing a fast and efficient way to convert your media files.

What is Intel Quick Sync?

Intel Quick Sync is a feature available on Intel Ivy Bridge or Sandy Bridge processors with onboard HD graphics. Unlike traditional media conversion methods that rely on the CPU, Quick Sync utilizes the onboard graphics to handle media conversion, resulting in significantly faster processing times.

Equipment Requirements

Before diving into using Intel Quick Sync, it's essential to ensure that You have the necessary equipment. Here are the requirements for using Quick Sync:

1. Intel Ivy Bridge or Sandy Bridge Processor: Quick Sync is supported on these specific processor models. Ensure that you have one of these processors or a compatible alternative.
2. Motherboard with Onboard Video Outputs: To utilize Quick Sync, your motherboard should have onboard video outputs, such as a z68 or z77 motherboard.
3. Compatible Converting Program: You will need a compatible converting program like Media Converter 7 to take AdVantage of Quick Sync's features.

Enabling Quick Sync

Enabling Quick Sync depends on whether you are using onboard video or a dedicated graphics card. Let's go through the steps for each Scenario.

Using Onboard Video

1. If you are using onboard video, there is no additional setup required. Quick Sync will automatically utilize the onboard HD graphics for media conversion.

Using a Dedicated Graphics Card

1. If you are using a dedicated graphics card, you need to enable Lucid Logics Virtu or Virtu MVP, depending on your motherboard. Both options provide the same functionality for Quick Sync.
2. Access your motherboard's BIOS and locate the GPU multi-monitor setting. Set it to "Enable" to activate Lucid Logics Virtu MVP function.
3. Install the Virtu application, which allows you to use the onboard video for Quick Sync and the dedicated graphics card for gaming.

Configuring Virtu Control Panel

1. After restarting your computer, open the Virtu Control Panel.
2. Press the on/off button to activate Virtu.
3. Now, when you open your converting program, such as Media Converter 7, you should see the option for hardware acceleration, including Intel Quick Sync.

Testing Performance

To understand the performance difference between different scenarios, we conducted tests using three settings: no hardware acceleration (CPU only), Nvidia CUDA, and Intel Quick Sync.

1. No Hardware Acceleration: In this scenario, we relied solely on the CPU for media conversion. A three-minute video took approximately one minute to convert using a 3570K CPU.
2. Nvidia CUDA: With Nvidia CUDA, which utilizes a dedicated graphics card, the same task took one minute and 37 seconds using an Nvidia Kepler GTX 670 GPU.
3. Intel Quick Sync: Using Intel HD graphics, specifically Quick Sync, the same task finished in just 24 seconds. Intel HD graphics outperformed both the CPU-only and dedicated graphics card scenarios.

Time Savings and Efficiency

The time savings and efficiency achieved with Intel Quick Sync are significant. While the difference may not seem substantial for a three-minute video, the benefits become apparent when converting longer files or batches of videos. For example, converting hours of video with the CPU alone might take over an hour, but with Quick Sync, the time can be reduced to just a little over an hour or even less.

Considering the low cost of a compatible converting program and the availability of any Intel CPU with Quick Sync support, the efficiency and time savings are highly compelling.

Conclusion

Intel Quick Sync offers a convenient and efficient solution for converting your media library to formats compatible with various portable devices. By leveraging the power of onboard HD graphics, Quick Sync provides significantly faster processing times compared to traditional methods. Whether you have hours of video or a whole season of TV shows to convert, Quick Sync can save you valuable time and effort.

So, why struggle with incompatible media playback on your portable devices? Give Intel Quick Sync a try and enjoy seamless multimedia experiences on your iPhones, iPads, and other devices.

Resources:

• Intel Official Website
• [Media Converter 7](insert Website link)
• [Lucid Logics Virtu](insert website link)
• [Nvidia CUDA](insert website link)

Highlights

• Intel Quick Sync enables fast and efficient media conversion for portable devices.
• Quick Sync utilizes onboard HD graphics for superior performance.
• Motherboards with onboard video outputs are required to use Quick Sync.
• Virtu application allows for seamless switching between onboard video and dedicated graphics card.
• Performance tests demonstrate the significant time savings achieved with Quick Sync.
• Quick Sync is a cost-effective solution compared to dedicated graphics cards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use Intel Quick Sync with any Intel CPU? A: No, Quick Sync is available on specific models such as Intel Ivy Bridge or Sandy Bridge processors. Ensure that your CPU supports Quick Sync before attempting to use it.

Q: Do I need to purchase additional software to use Quick Sync? A: Yes, you will need a compatible converting program such as Media Converter 7 to take advantage of Quick Sync's features.

Q: Can Quick Sync be used for gaming? A: No, Quick Sync is primarily designed for media conversion and optimization. For gaming purposes, it is recommended to use a dedicated graphics card.