I've been using my old P4/2.4G XP system as a media server on my 37" HiDef tv to watch mostly streaming media, sporting events etc via VGA input.

It does work although it really struggles desperately with anything higher than 480i especially viewing full screen (or even half screen). CPU hits 100% useage and pretty much stays pinned while the video is playing. I have tried different browsers with little change one way or the other.

It seems like Flash is the major hog but that is what it is and only a very few sites use MS silverlight which is easier on the CPU.

I've tested it out with my current Core i5/2.6G system and it handles the req's with no problem peaking around 50-70% CPU useage without stuttering video/audio like the old P4.

So I'm considering getting a new mid/lower priced PC to do the job. I know it's impossible to say without having tried it but one system I'm looking at has an

Intel i3 2120 Dual-Core 3.3G LGA1155

Big question is whether the Dual Core i3 can do the job and do it without running at 100% full time.

Or how about an

AMD X2 260 Dual-Core 3.2GHz AM3?

comments?