Thanks for the input guys. Sounds like it has been pretty solid for you with heavier apps.

I've searched and read similar threads, and they all seem to agree (at least when the hardware is right).

I might build a test system with a quadcore and one of those gigabyte boards (where most of the stuff works out of the box). Something mid-range just to see how it holds up.

On an un-related note, it's sure hard to find a good LCD these days! Everything is cheap chinesey TN's. I can't find any S-IPS/M-PVA 24"ers.