Hey all.

I've been running a couple of Windows MCE 2005 boxes since early 2006 and to date they have performed superbly, even playing Hi-Def video.  After finally getting my HVR-2200 DVB-T card yesterday I thought I ought to get Freeview up and running and came across the whole MS can't be bothered issue.

I've tried DVBViewer, Mediaportal and GBPVR (which just works BTW) and for most stff the experience is as good as WinMCE BUT....

It is all too apparent that my primary HTPC just is not up to handling the HiDef stuff on TV3.  95% CPU and seriously stuttery.

Given the spec below do I;

1) Get hold of an Athlon x2 Dual Core 4200 for $280,
2) Bin the board and current CPU and throw something else in, or
3) Fit a spanky new NVidia 8500GT or better?

Really I can only justify one of the three options as budget is/will be limited.

Thoughts people?



Current Spec
AMD Athlon 63 3700+ on an Asus A8N-SLI Mobo, with video curtesy of an Asus Extreme N6600 Silencer all backed up with 1Gb dual channel RAM and plenty of disk space.   Rolled together in a neat pile and stuffed into a Silverstone SST-LC16M ATX Home Theatre Case.