CPU Spiking

[x0b]

I have recently purchased the MSI 648f Neo-L motherboard [http://www.msicomputer.com/product/detail_spec/product_detail.asp?model=648F_Neo-L] and I'm having problems with my CPU usage spiking to anywhere up to 90%, this is when the system is doing nothing and I am only looking at the performance tab in task manager. I have looked at the process tab to see what might be taking up the CPU Usage but it doesn't seem to register on there...

I first noticed it while playing games, the sound and graphics would slow down and make the game unplayable. After a reboot it was usually ok. Now the problem seems to be more regular, even spiking immediately after a reboot. The mouse movement gets interrupted aswell.

I have tried two different OS and the problem is still there. My PC was overclocked but is not anymore, and all the BIOS temp. settings are default. I am sure it is the mobo that is causing this problem as I have used all the components in other boards and never had a problem like it.

Anyone have any idea what may be happening here? Can you suggest some software that may be able to determine exactly what is causing these spikes?

Thanks for any help

P4 1.8a Northwood CPU w/stock Fan
MSI 648f Neo-L Mainboard
512MB Cas2 Mushkin PC2100 Hi-Perf Ram
Leadtek GF4 Ti4200 64MB
M-Audio Audiophile
Q-Tec 550W PSU

 

[joe2004]

I'd be surprised this is anything but a software problem.
Mike Lin has made a little thing called Startup Control Panel that can give you some control over what kind of garbage Windoze is running in the background without you knowing it. It might be a virus as well, so scan your system.
Good old Socket de Troie used to work that way, uh those were the days when you could infect people without going to jail.