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Thread ID: 97752 2009-02-26 07:37:00 'System' process causing CPU usage spike zantetkusen (14657) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
751570 2009-03-01 22:31:00 Did you try what I posted above?

I used the Kernrate viewer, I think it may be the sthda.sys file - it jumps from approx 1,000,000 events/sec to around 6,000,000 events/sec during the cpu spike. From process viewer, sthda.sys seems to be from SigmaTel the audio software that comes with the dell. I've updated the SigmaTel driver (using the one from the dell site) and I'm waiting to see if that makes a difference. If it doesn't I guess I'll uninstall it totally and see if the spikes stop (no audio then, but I'll figure out what to do when I get there).
zantetkusen (14657)
751571 2009-03-07 03:12:00 Well disabling my sound card removed the sthda.sys from the Kernel viewer, but I'm still getting the slow downs so I guess its not that.

Since the screen is doing this odd flicker every now and then I'm guessing its either my graphics card or a program booting up in the background. I guess it could be my AV, but when I just set it to scan while I'm playing I don't see any particular slow down. I'm starting to think my best bet might be to try and send it back to Dell, if the warantee is still current...
zantetkusen (14657)
751572 2009-03-07 03:23:00 See if it happens in Safe Mode Blam (54)
751573 2009-03-07 04:31:00 Looking a bit closer in Process Explorer it looks like the DPC (Deferred Procedure Calls) is going from 0-5% usage normall to up to 40% cpu usage during the spike.

Any ideas?
zantetkusen (14657)
751574 2009-03-07 05:08:00 See if this applies/helps:

phorums.com.au

Also-download SpeedFan and check if the CPU is overheating.

Clean out the dust in your pc with a can of compressed air
Blam (54)
751575 2009-03-07 05:22:00 Looks like a few people get the same thing (www.google.co.nz)

With the same laptop
Speedy Gonzales (78)
751576 2009-03-07 05:40:00 My cpu is clocking in around 65-67 degrees C. The spike doesn't particularily seem to correspong to the heat going up, but I guess the if the cpu temp is too high all the time it could be causing it. Any idea how to clean a laptop? I'd rather not open it up in case that voids warranty. zantetkusen (14657)
751577 2009-03-07 05:49:00 Forgot its a laptop:p

Ignore that then
Blam (54)
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