Maximum PC

i've recently built a pc, with asus p8z77-v motherboard, intelcore i7-3770 processor, 16gb ram, running windows 7 home premium 64 bit os.
the problem i'm having is with streaming media content, both audio and video content will lock up and go into endless buffer loops or time out.
i've tried 3 different media players; windows media player, vlc media player, and winamp (all most recent versions) and the problem happens in all.
i primarily use firefox as browser, but also tried chrome and internet explorer with no change in behavior.
any one have any ideas/ suggestions?
i'm almost ready to set up a dual boot with ubuntu or buy a mac...