debian 12.11
system memory size: 31GiB, 2 15.5 GiB cards
cpu: Intel® Core™ i7-7500U CPU @ 2.70GHz, version: 6.142.9, size: 3268MHz, capacity: 3500MHz, width: 64 bits
no graphics card whatsoever
computer can play h.265 and equivalent without troubles, provided video file is no higher than 1080 p.
Computer can play av1 files no higher than 1080 p only if I shut every other application down. If for example I run a browser and an av1 file with either mpv or vlc, system shuts down.
Can I put all that memory to use and avoid overloading the cpu?
The video playback should get choppy if the CPU is overloaded, the PC shouldn’t shut down from that. It sounds like your CPU may be overheating. I would suggest monitoring the CPU temperature while playing the video.
Based on the “U” at the end of the CPU model name, I’m guessing this is a laptop. OP, your CPU probably needs a re-paste because it’s got a decade old CPU and the laptop fan is inadequate. That’s why it’s shutting down.