high CPU usage

when running any CPU-intensive program, generally gaming involving heavy
video, my CPU usage runs around 50-60% for a minute or two, then suddenly
skyrockets to 100% and sits there until I terminate, or switch tasks, at
which time it falls back down to a sane level, unless I switch back, then it
jumps to 100% again. i just upgraded my RAM from 512 to 1280 Mb. Problem
started when I formatted my hard drive. I'm running XP Pro. Any ideas?

Cryinlion85 wrote:

> when running any CPU-intensive program, generally gaming involving
> heavy video, my CPU usage runs around 50-60% for a minute or two, then
> suddenly skyrockets to 100% and sits there until I terminate, or
> switch tasks, at which time it falls back down to a sane level, unless
> I switch back, then it
> jumps to 100% again. i just upgraded my RAM from 512 to 1280 Mb.
> Problem
> started when I formatted my hard drive. I'm running XP Pro. Any
> ideas?

After you did the clean-install of Windows, did you also install all the
drivers - motherboard, soundcard, video, etc.? If not, you need to do
so. Also make sure you've optimized startup and don't have unnecessary
things running.

Never get drivers from Windows Update. Get them from:

1. The device mftr.'s website; OR
2. The motherboard mftr.'s website if hardware is onboard; OR
3. The OEM's website for your specific machine if you have an OEM
computer (HP, Dell, Sony, etc.).

Read the installation instructions on the website where you get the
drivers.

To find out what hardware is in your computer:

1. Read any documentation you got when you bought the computer.
2. If the computer is OEM, go to the OEM's website for your specific
model machine and look at the specs (you'll be there to get the drivers
anyway)
3. Download, install and run a free system inventory program like Belarc
Advisor or Everest Home Edition.

http://www.lavalys.com/index.php?page=product&view=1 - Everest Home
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html - Belarc Advisor

Some sites to help with startup:

How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=310560

http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_index.htm
http://www.blackviper.com/
http://www.theeldergeek.com/services_guide.htm
http://www.liutilities.com/products/...rocesslibrary/

Malke
--
MS-MVP Windows User/Shell
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic"