2014-07-12, 02:40
The haswell i3 does bitstreamed HD audio from Windows without any issues. The only reason the Celeron doesn't is due to intel driver issues (in openelec it works on the Celeron too).
I only run confluence so cant really comment on fluidness with heavy skins but Id be surprised if it wasn't up to the task. I have 4GB RAM in mine and a mSata SSD running windows 8.1 outputting via DisplayPort to HDMI on my Onkyo 705 receiver, then a 65" Panasonic VT60 Plasma. Bitstreamed HD audio works fine for TrueHD and DTS-MA and 1080P playback work fine as far as I can tell
I only run confluence so cant really comment on fluidness with heavy skins but Id be surprised if it wasn't up to the task. I have 4GB RAM in mine and a mSata SSD running windows 8.1 outputting via DisplayPort to HDMI on my Onkyo 705 receiver, then a 65" Panasonic VT60 Plasma. Bitstreamed HD audio works fine for TrueHD and DTS-MA and 1080P playback work fine as far as I can tell