CPU Usage oddity

[Ruahrc]

I noticed something strange the other day while monitoring my CPU usage using MS System monitor.

Normally it sits around 50%. That is with IE, AIM, MS Shortcut Bar, and a couple background programs running.

What's wierd though is that if I move the mouse the CPU usage drops to about 2%, and stays there until the mouse stops moving.

This seems backwards. What is going on? I'm using a USB mouse plugged into the PS2 port using the adaptor.

Ruahrc

[OuTpaTienT]

Are you running any programs that go to work when the system is idle? (RC5 is one that comes to mind, but it would be using 100% of your CPU.) And when the system is not idle (i.e. moving the mouse) then the program remains dormant.

[Ruahrc]

I don't believe so- I used to have Prime95 for testing but took it off.

Ruahrc

[dos7]

well,,it would appear to be your mouse, but that's crazy, my mouse barely even registers on sys mon when it's moved around, and according to what you say, your mouse would appear to be using nearly 50%!!!! i slapped a pentium 100 in my socket7 machine not to long ago to see how it would perform with 64megs running win98se,,it used like 50% just using the mouse and clicking on the start menu, but im assuming your cpu is much much faster. Something else must be the culprit. are you using any fancy pointers or animated cursors for your mouse? maybe you have mouse trails turned on, that might make a difference. i know some animated cursors can be quite the resource hog for what they do...hmmm..looks as though you will need to do some more troubleshooting.. btw,,tell us your cpu type,,the slower the cpu, the more impact using the mouse will have on it. Judging by what how many idle cycles you said you have with your progs running, I would guess you are running around a 200 - 300mhz cpu.

dos7

[This message has been edited by dos7 (edited 07-14-2001).]

[This message has been edited by dos7 (edited 07-14-2001).]

[This message has been edited by dos7 (edited 07-14-2001).]

[otheos]

Do you have Iomega's software for zip installed?

[Fingers]

I wonder why your processor usage would be at 50% too.

Right now I've got Outlook Express downloading newsgroup messages, 3 IE Windows open, and both programs are using a "winmodem" that's being monitored by ZoneAlarm and NAV. My processor usage is 2% ... 4% while typing ... and it goes as high as 8% if I move the mouse in circles very quickly.


Maybe the extra processor usage could be coming from AIM, but I wouldn't know since I don't use it. I'd try turning off any mouse program you have running in the backround. Unless you're using extra mouse buttons, Windows doesn't need any extra software to use the left, right, and scroll wheel buttons.

You can easily view what programs are running in the foreground and backround by hitting CTRL+ALT+DEL...ONCE.

Javascript running on the webpage can also eat up processor cycles.

[Dudster]

I just tried it and found it's happening on mine aswell but mine goes to around 30% when I stop moving the mouse (PS2) around.

I've got Outlook Express open, 2 IE windows, ZoneAlarm running and my modem is a PCI winmodem.

My CPU is an 800MHz T-Bird on an ASUS A7V. I'm using Win98SE.

Edit: I haven't got any mouse software installed. I'm using the default cursor. I haven't got any Iomega drives or software.

I just closed Outlook Express and the other IE window but it changed nothing.

Edit: I just disconnected my internet connection and closed IE. My CPU usage went to a solid 50% and moving the mouse around only got it down to 20%. What's going on?

[This message has been edited by Dudster (edited 07-14-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Dudster (edited 07-14-2001).]

[Philip1952]

I have IE=two windows open, ICQ,AOL instant messenger,Norton auto protect,Norton e-mail protect, Out look,Zone Alarm SpyBlocker,Microsoft sidewinder control panel,system monitor, plus 6 other programs running in the back ground with about 8% of cpu usage. On Win98
What are your programs running in the back ground. Do you have a go back program installed and running in the back ground?

I would suggest. Do a control/alt/delete salute. Then turn off each program one at a time and watch system monitor to see which ones are your biggest system hogs. If you find the one that is useing so much cpu cycles. Then decide if you need this program any more. Or turn it off when you don't.
Don't turn off exployer or system tray.

[This message has been edited by Philip1952 (edited 07-14-2001).]

[Vagabond]

I had a similar problem my computer would bog down so I started watching ram, cpu, temp, the works. I started monitoring my cpu activity. Bam using 80% most of the time even sitting idle with no programs. Well that is right. So i dl another free cpu monitor now 2% usage, dl another monitor = 40% well what is going on. now use Norton and 10% or so. reinstalled some drivers (recommend by PlayerX) who had a sim. prob- I will talk to him monday and see what he did. So i'm guessing depending on which program you use to monitor you get diff results. my comp seems to run fine now..

gl

[Dudster]

Hehe, it did cross my mind that the system monitor might just be confused.

[Ruahrc]

Well I played around a bit and came up with results that point absolutely nowhere.

CRTL+ALT+DEL'd my system and cleaned out all the progs running. (I have this cleaned out via msconfig but even the things I need I cleaned out)

Still had high proc usage- about 60-70%.

Moving the mouse still lowered it down.

Logged off windows, relogged on (to reload all my progs) and opened up the usual: AIM, Winamp, IE.

Checked proc usage: it was like 5-10%. Moving the mouse puts it down to 2%.

Odd....

Some notes: I have a PCI Winmodem I think this adds a little bit to the CPU usage while online.

I also tried running PCProbe: CPU usage immediately jumps to 100%. Does this mean that simply having PCProbe running results in a "full load" temp and thus you should consider it a little higher than what you are actually getting?

Ruahrc

[Philip1952]

A win modem does cause a little more overhead in the system. But not any where near what system monnitor was showing you. I have one also. You see what I had posted. This was with the winmodem in use.
Now when you did the three finger job. Did you do it one program at a time to see if the cpu usage droped off with just one or two programs causeing it?

[Jonty]

What's the usage like when you first start Windows?