Poor performance and high CPU utilization

[imported_ericbatman]

My system is running like a slug on a salt lick! Really slow on bootup and opening simple programs. My CPU utilization is like 68% or something rediculous like that. Here is my system specs:

Athlon XP 2100
ASUS A7N8X Deluxe MB
OCZ Enhanced Latency Series Platinum Edition 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200
Albatron FX5900 128MB VidCard
WD Carvier SE 80GB HDD
TDK 52X CD-R
Thermaltake 480W PS
1 Exhaust fan

CPU 133MHZ
Mem 166MHZ
5
3
2
2

I want to OC the system a bit but it seem to lock everytime I adjust anything. Even going to 5-2-2-2 timings makes the system fail the POST memory test. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[LTC8K6]

See if your HD and CD are running in DMA mode.

 

[imported_ericbatman]

How would I go about doing that exactly?

 

[amdskip]

In system devices, make sure the ide controllers say DMA and not PIO.

Have you done windows updates yet?

 

[imported_ericbatman]

Everything is running in DMA mode and I have all the current windows updates

 

[LTC8K6]

I would use WD's diagnostic tools to see if your HD has a problem.

Maybe check to see if a bunch of junk/spyware is loading you down?

Try adaware and spybot.

 

[mechBgon]

Do you have firewall software and/or hardware, and thoroughly-configured, up-to-date antivirus protection? If not, it's a good idea to get some protection going. For broadband users, a Linksys BEFSR41 or a similar item will keep the bad guys out, and free ZoneAlarm basic firewall software will ask questions about stuff that's trying to get out from inside. AVG Free Edition antivirus software is free (duh) and apparently pretty decent. Here's some links to that stuff if you need it: Resources

There's also a link there to SpyBot Search & Destroy. Spyware can really trash your system, so do get SpyBot S&D and run a scan (also go to its Online section and get whatever updates are available, and be patient with it if it seems to hang... snack break! ).

Also, set your RAM to run at 133MHz so it's synchronous with your CPU's fsb for low latency and better overall performance. If your hard drive is by itself on its own IDE cable, jumper it for Single Drive (see the label, this usually means pulling the jumper off the pins altogether).

 

[imported_ericbatman]

I am currently running Norton Internet Security 2003 and Black Ice. I have updated all the software too. I have tried WD diag tools and have found no problems. I don't currently have broadband just snail-up I mean dial-up. Thanks for your input so far please keep it coming.

 

[johnjkr1]

Check device manger for any yellow !'s or ?'s.

 

[Geniere]

The only slowdowns I ever had were due to spyware. If you don?t use Spybot S&D or Adaware, I suggest you do. I also use several registry cleaners, Powertools is my favorite.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I've never used that board but since it's nF2 there are some things I'd suggest. First manually set the ram to 100% because you are running asynch mode and the latency penalty this chipset suffers from doing so makes 133/166 slower than 133 synch. Since you have only 1 case fan check CPU and system temps and LMK what they report. Also there's some great info about timings on nF2 here. Now the High CPU utilization and performance lag could be driver related, the LAN drivers can really botch things on some nF2 setups so if you haven't installed the latest forceware UDPs give 'em a go. Just install right over the ones you have.

Your PSU and everything else look good but check the voltage for all the rails and list them if it's not too much trouble please When you post back with an update I'll help you juice some overclock providing temps and everything checkout.

 

[imported_ericbatman]

Changed my memory to 100% and memory timings to 11-2-2-2T. Seems to be running better. My system temps have been 48ºC for CPU and 26ºC for MB. Sandra reported that my MB temp was 85ºC but that seem crazy. Is that a normal misrepresentation? I am also unsure of what numbers I am looking for in Sandra and others to know how well my memory is performing. Any help there would be greatly appreciated. As far as the LAN drivers go, I'm fairly sure I have the latest releases. It is an onboard LAN and I have the latest updates from Asus.

Voltages
+3.3v---3.39v
+5v---4.91v
+12v---12.48v

My CPU fan is running at 3341 RPMs but can be adjusted quite a bit higher but I have it turned down for noise purposes. My Power supply is at 1875 RPMs but can also be upped to 4000 I think.

I am also thinking about upgrading maybe new MB and CPU. Thinking about this:
CPU: AMD Athlon XP 2500+ Mobile Barton
Motherboard: ABIT NF7-S Revision 2.0

Is it worth the $$$ or should I wait for Athlon64s to come down in price?

P.S. I have not been able to keep responding because I have A.O.Smell at home and Anandtech won't let me log on. I can only respond from work and don't have much time at the computer to reply.

 

[imported_ericbatman]

Anyone???

Bueller, Bueller, Bueller...