Problem w/ HTPC DVD playback.

[FearoftheNight]

Right now I have a AIW X800XT running a Dell 2405 LCD @ 1920 x 1200 as my primary monitor via DVI and a Syntax Olevia 30in @ 1280x768 via the VGA as the secondary monitor.

I run PowerDVD on the secondary monitor in fullscreen mode while I browse on the primary. Occasionally during some scenes especially when I'm clicking on links in my browser the picture will jerk or stutter or the audio and visual will lose since for a moment. I opened up my task manager and observed that when this happens my cpu usage usually spikes from ~25% to ~90%.

Question: Does this mean that my cpu isn't fast enough? I'm running an a64 3000+. Would a dual core help in this regard? Tia.

 

[Auric]

Your sig rig link needs "id" changed to "rigid".

HT or dual core is better but the useage seems high and the spike abnormal and even if it does spike then why would it stutter as long as it is not 100%? I guess your on-board audio is not even burdening the CPU with decoding but is passing the original digital stream to the receiver? My P4 useage is about 10%, but only 5% with HWA enabled (also X800). But before even trying that (if not already), confirm the relevant storage settings are correct in CMOS Setup and likewise that the controller is installed and configured correctly in Windows so that it uses Ultra DMA Mode. Do the spikes happen frequently and with plain content or perhaps just with Shockwave Flash or something? Got the latest Cats and PowerDVD patch? Using Clone or Extended? Try the other. Using Overlay Theater Mode or PowerDVD's Overlay Mode? Try the other. That's all I can think of at the mo'. Good luck.