CPU Usage 50+ % when idle

[VegasD]

I'm having a hell of a weekend. Just built my new PC and it is running just as bad as my old one. Currently I have the following:

3.2C P4
1 Gig Dual Channel Memory (2 512 sticks)
Windows XP Pro
Asus P4c800 E Delux MB
200gig SATA WD HD
9800 Pro (running latest cats)

So, I install all of this and run BFVietnam....10 FPS. My friend has the EXACT same setup and runs BFVietnam @40+fps, except he has and IDE drive...so I went to Best Buy, and bought a 120gig WD IDE drive. Same exact problem.

While troubleshooting I've found that with absoultly nothing in the background/startup, no programs open, the task manager shows the CPU usage at a steady 50-60%. What on earth could be causing this problem and how do i fix it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[JustAnAverageGuy]

Open the processes tab and look for what process is using it.

Run a Spybot\adaware scan.

Scan for Viruses\virii

 

[DaveSimmons]

So what process is using the 50% ? Click on the CPU column to sort. In a system without a virus / worm / spyware infection, System Idle will usually be using 99% of the CPU.

 

[VegasD]

So what process is using the 50% ? Click on the CPU column to sort. In a system without a virus / worm / spyware infection, System Idle will usually be using 99% of the CPU.

System Idle Process 55-71%
System Process 25-45%
Performance shows 45-61% CPU Usage

I don not see how it could be possible to have a virus here as I just installed the IDE drive on it's own a half hour ago, only used windows update and installed battlefield vietnam. (and the cat drivers)

 

[VegasD]

I'm running houscall now just to be sure. What else could be wrong here? Is it possible that the CPU is bad? (but still working?)

 

[VegasD]

I fixed the CPU problem! (About to test battlefield now.)

After hours of looking, and right after I posted this, I began to search Google for "CPU Usage Too High". I found some random post from a guy who had some type of USB reader installed, removing it fixed his issue.

I removed my USB Wireless cordless joystick adapter, and poof the CPU is now free and Idle time is now back to 99%.

Hopefully that was the root of my entire problem, about to find out now.