I have an ex490 with the stock Celeron processor. I'm having streaming issues and have tried a few different applications [Tversity, Twonky (Currently un-installed), PS3 Media Server, and Windows Media Connect Service (Currently using)], however all applications stutter. WMC is experiences the least amount of stuttering in my testing. However, I'm wondering if upgrading the hardware of the server would stop the stuttering; if so what is most important, the processor or ram? Or if purchasing another gigabit switch would help [from everything I read the PS3 doesn't do gigabit].

My Current streaming setup:
EX490 attached to gigabit switch
PS3 and DLNA Samsung TV wired, attached to a switch

The files are typically 720p Blu-ray rips that are Mpegs [about 3.5 - 4gb] formatted to play on the PS3. This is to avoid transcoding.

Edit****
Task Manager capture shows the CPU usage while streaming. The processor usage seems to be all over the place.

Here is a link where formum members discuss the use of a Q9300. viewtopic.php?f=25&t=6828

I recall JDOOKIE when he first got his EX490 was not quite pleased with the streaming performance and proceeded to upgrade his processor. I recall he did so twice before he opted for the Q9300. What I suggest you do is read the messages there and then if the Q9300 is of interest to you ask for the specific processor part number because I believe there exists more then 1 version of that processor.

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Exploring the possibilities!

Migrated from WHS2011 to WS2012E: HIGHLANDER

~ Norco 4220 Enclosure
~ Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5
~ AMD Phenom II X4 995 3.2 GHz
~ 8 GB Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
~ 3 Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8

Just read through that thread. The quad cores processors are making me quite nervous price and heat wise. If I can find one of the "s" branded quad cores for a decent price than I may explore that. Would an e8400 not be good enough for my usage? The server is only handling the streaming, all transcoding is done prior to streaming.