Hardware Interrupts Using 30% of CPU

[GhislainG]

Did you use this procedure: http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sp2_slipstream.asp? It will work with SP2 and SP3 and it might be easier to follow.

 

[BadTrip]

why not just use knoppix

http://www.knoppix.net/

 

[GhislainG]

why not just use knoppix

http://www.knoppix.net/

Please explain how it will help the OP run Process Explorer. The OP most likely has no knowledge of Linux.

 

[BadTrip]

booting from the knoppix cd will let him determine if it is hardware or software

 

[GhislainG]

booting from the knoppix cd will let him determine if it is hardware or software

What I wanted to know is what tool can he use to determine if the hardware interrupt issue is still there or not? What's the equivalent of Process Explorer in Linux?

 

[BadTrip]

http://www.cyberciti.biz/tips/how-do-i-find-out-linux-cpu-utilization.html

 

[jonathan142]

Thanks for the step by step guide, using it I got PE working. Anyway while booted using the CD I checked Task Manager, and sure enough the CPU idles at 40-60%. I didn't use process explorer but while idle the system idle process claims to be using 99% of the CPU but it obviously isn't so I guess we know the hard drive isn't the problem. I guess that means it must be the CPU itself or the motherboard. Is there any way to test that?

 

[GhislainG]

Before having the CPU and/or motherboard tested, you should remove the heat sink again, clean up the heat paste on the CPU and HSF with rubbing alcohol. If removing the HSF could dislodge the CPU from the socket (you didn't specify what CPU you have), remove it and reinstall it. Then use Artic Silver 5 (follow the instructions and use the required quantity) and reinstall the HSF. It might solve your issue.

 

[jonathan142]

It just seems odd, if the CPU is dislodged or something I would think it would simply not work. Though I'm not a computer expert of course. My CPU is AMD Athlon 4200+ x2, socket 939. Motherboard is MSI AMETHYST-M. I'll have to get some thermal paste, if you have any other suggestions I'd appreciate it.

 

[GhislainG]

Don't get any thermal paste - if you can, get Artic Silver 5. You definitely want to remove the CPU and inspect the pins to make sure that none is bent or broken.

 

[TripGun]

I don't recommend electrically conductive thermal compounds. Ceramique is the best I have used.

 

[jonathan142]

So when I take the CPU out from underneath the heatsink fan, how do I remove the heatsink from the CPU? Can I just pry it upwards off the CPU?

 

[GhislainG]

In your initial post you wrote "What comes to mind is I did remove the heat sink when I first put in the new PSU, and I had some troubles as one of the two sockets for the securing screws for the heat sink seemed to sink down lower than it should be, so that it was actually under the motherboard and I had to push on the other screw socket to push it back up above."

How did you remove the heat sink before? It's no different this time around.

 

[jonathan142]

Well I actually meant the heatsink fan.

 

[GhislainG]

Ah! That's very different. If you aren't comfortable doing that kind of stuff, then you probably should have your PC checked by a technician.

 

[jonathan142]

I just applied the thermal paste and unfortunately hardware interrupts is still there. Any other suggestions?

 

[GhislainG]

Removing and installing a heat sink or fan can't cause issues like that, unless you broke something on the motherboard or the CPU. Unless you have another system to test the CPU, my only suggestion is to have a certified tech look at it.

 

[alltompc]

Before taking it all apart try resetting the router + broadband modem.
They tend to use up most of the interupts if you have a busy network and/or problems within it.)
By switching off the Router (and release your IP. - then restart Windows)
I run XP and got the above issue with 16-30% used up by hardware interrupts. and it all sort itself after a router / modem restart.

Must be something recent with all the servicepacks because never had this problems before

To find out all you have to do is switch the router / modem off and run process explorer - check if the problem persist.

 

[MrBerggren]

Have you fixed the problem? I got what i think is exactly the same i think. Same Motherboard and everything too!