Computer Problem - CPU Resources @ 100%

[Compworld]

One of my work PC's has about 1GB RAM (2700) * a P4 2GHz CPU. The CPU resources are constantly @ 100%. I do a lot of CPU heavy work. I assume my only alternative is to upgrade the CPU. Which would be best a Xeon 2.2GHz processor, Athlon 64 processor, or something else? It's a standard PC running Win XP Pro.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

CompWorld

[Mike12345]

Have you checked for suspect programs that might be drinking up your resources. viruses - spyware?

100% usage is rarely reached legitimately.

[Frank_Rizzo]

What OS you using? What's in your quick launch tray?

If XP look at task manager (right click on bar at bottom - task manager). Click on Processes Tab and then CPU header twice to sort by CPU usage. Note which progs are hogging.

As the previous poster says it could be spyware.

[Compworld]

Nope, not spyware, it's not connected to the net. Just incase, I've ran Spybot, Adaware, and others, found nothing out of the ordinary. I am just thinking I need a more powerful processor. No?

[outrun]

Replace Processor probably not, one of my friends took his computer to a computer technician he had video card problems they "fixed" it but CPU usage was constantly at 100% and the computer was sluggish, I couldnt find the problem program or process it was virus free and spyware free so I just formatted and reinstalled everything. Probably the lazy way, anyway the CPU usage went back to normal.

regards,
Mark

[Frank_Rizzo]

You are not going to know what it is until you look at task manager and see what is using up cpu time.....