High CPU utilization

L

lt4ryan

Geek Trainee
Here is my setup:

P4 2.8 ghz w/hyperthreading
512 mb stepped ram
160 gb maxtor hdd (ide)
Intel 865perl mb
nvidia geforce4 ti agp card
sb live value
linksys lnetx100 v4 nic
Lite on 4X dvd burner

For the past 2 weeks, my CPU utilization has been at a constant 51%. After browsing the forums, I used memtest to check and verify that the ram is OK. I also ran something that showed me what all the processes in svchost were broken down to (the name escapes me). I observed that 'Hardware Interrupt' was eating all of that extra processing power. I used Winbench to test the hdd, which it found no problems. I also upgraded the video drivers to the latest version. I'm running out of ideas, can anyone offer any suggestions?

Thanks!
 
Ok I'm not sure what you mean by Hardware Interrupt is using the 51%. I googled it and didn't look like anything that could cause the problem. try this, go into the Windows Task Manger (Ctrl+Alt+Dlt) and click the processes tab. You should see a list of running applications, and you should see 4 categories, Image Name, User Name, CPU, and Mem usage. Scroll down the list looking at the CPU statistic. There should be a single application using the majority of that 51%. Take down the name of the application culprit and report back.
 
max12590 said:
Ok I'm not sure what you mean by Hardware Interrupt is using the 51%. I googled it and didn't look like anything that could cause the problem. try this, go into the Windows Task Manger (Ctrl+Alt+Dlt) and click the processes tab. You should see a list of running applications, and you should see 4 categories, Image Name, User Name, CPU, and Mem usage. Scroll down the list looking at the CPU statistic. There should be a single application using the majority of that 51%. Take down the name of the application culprit and report back.
Click to expand...


Here is what I mean: the system idle process:

sysproc9to.jpg


thanks!
 
My CPU does that aswell, but the system idle process is just what it sounds like, when the system is in idle it utilizes the CPU resources for some unknown reason.
Does this happen only in idle or when your browsing the internet for example?
it seems pretty normal to me!
 
The problem is that the CPU is _always_ at 51% when it is idle. I'm doing absolutely nothing and the machine is at 51%. Before this problem arose, a truly idle box would sit at 1 to 2%.

Could it be a failing PS?
 
i still dont really think it is a problem cause i get around 40-45% CPU at idle,
but you could try disabling the indexing service and see if that helps!
 
pelvis_3 said:
i still dont really think it is a problem cause i get around 40-45% CPU at idle,
but you could try disabling the indexing service and see if that helps!
Click to expand...


The indexing service is already disabled.

Interesting...why then does my old laptop run at about 3% CPU when idle?

Thanks!
 
i think it just depends on OS configuration and hardware differences!
all three different XP machine including the one one have now does/did the same!
 
ninja fetus said:
how's the temperature, and are you running a prescott?
Click to expand...

No prescott here.

All temps in Celsius:

CPU is 50
System Zone 1 is 36
System Zone 2 is 39


I would be willing to buy the idea that it's a P4 issue and normal, but it only started acting up in the last week and a half or so. It's much more sluggish than normal, so it makes me think I have a dying piece of hardware. Oddly enough, so far everything I can imagine to test has passed.

Thanks for the help and ideas, I appreciate them all.
 
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