2nd Core runs 100% constantly

[thirdeye]

Title says it, I tried to search but didn't come up with much here. It seems random per reboot. Sometimes right after boot my 2nd core will spike to nearly 100% usage and just hover there for no apparent reason. I never had this problem with WinXP x64 but I recently decided to switch back to XP Pro and now this is happening.

If I reboot it will sometimes stop doing it, but then usually the next reboot it's right back at it again.

When I check the processes the System Idle Process is always showing 99% usage but on the performance tab, the CPU usage is always between 40-50% and the core 2 is running pegged. Any ideas?

System:
X2 4200+
DFI LanParty UT SLI-D
2x1GB gigaRAM
EVGA 7800GT
SB Audigy
3x Seagate 160gb SATA II

 

[Puffnstuff]

Kind of sounds to me like you've got a driver or process error. The system idle process is nothing more than how much cpu is not being used by anything.

 

[thirdeye]

I tried updating every driver, but still no luck. Right now everything is running fine but when this happens, my system bogs down BAD in games.

 

[xtknight]

You could have a rootkit (virus-esque parasite) hiding itself from the process list and using CPU for some reason. Google for more info on that.