Random system-wide "stutters"

[shazapis]

Hello,

I would really appreciate any help solving a problem that has been around since the first day I bought my computer:

Here's what happens:

Every once in a while (interval is irregular, sometimes 5-6 min sometimes more) my computer "freezes" for approx. 1-2 sec, and then resumes normal operation as if nothing happened. During this event:

1. The entire system is halted - the mouse freezes, games freeze, everything stops.
2. If a sound was generated, I get a terrible looping sound (sort of like when a music CD "sticks" in a player, only a lot faster)
3. Processor load (as reported by the Windows Task Manager) surges to above 80% - usually all the way up to 100% - BUT this is reported on the first thread of my hyper-threading CPU. Load before and after the event on both threads is very low (idle load is around 1-2%)

Things I've tried:
1. See if this is tied to a specific use of my computer, like playing 3d games, watching DVDs or else. Not quite. I get the exact same thing even if I'm just sitting there watching an idle PC.
2. Tried to shut down all processes I can afford to - use a utility called "End it All". Idle processor load goes down to 0-1% but same thing happens after a while.
3. Booted to LINUX from a live CD (SuSe 9.3). No stutters there. Stayed in LINUX for quite a while, system checked OK.
4. Probed system temps using ASUS PCProbe application. They seem OK.
5. Tried randomly to terminate some of the processes left over from step 2. No joy...
6. To the best of my knowledge all drivers are current (checked the manufacturer's sites)

My system is mainly used for playing MS Flight Simulator 2004, so apart from this program and few other ones, it is pretty clean.

My specs:

CPU: INTEL P IV LGA 550 3.4 Ghz 1 Mb 800 Mhz FSB
RAM: 1 Gb non-EEC CL4 533MHz FSB
M/B : ASUS P5AD2-PRE 925X PCIE
VGA: ATI-OEM SAPHIRE RADEON X800XT W/DVI 8X 256Mb
HDD: MAXTOR 200Gb SATA150 @ 7200
PSU: 450W (case : Chenming 601AE-AL 19037 BK)
OS: WinXP Home SP2
Sound: On-Board C-Media HiRes Audio 7.1 CODEC.

Actually, I tried disabling the on-board audio and installing a Creative Audigy 2 card. Bad idea, as soon as the first stutter hit, all audio died and only came back after reboot. Oddly enough, Creative diagnostic tools still reported sound is OK, even if no sound was actually generated until I reboot.

Any help will be GREATLY appreciated. I hate having to sell a pretty expensive 1-year old system on this account...

Thanks

Spiros Hazapis
Athens, Greece (and therefore non-native English speaker -sorry for any mess-ups )

PS I can certainly provide any additional information about my system - MS Info files, screenshots of processor load graph etc.

 

[Zebo]

Was this a prebuilt? Sounds like a software infection issue at first glance - like you need a fresh clean install of XP and then protect your system from malware/spyware.

 

[w00t]

I recommend everytime you get buy a computer instead of building it yourself do a clean install it's already really cluttred with extra stuff you dont need i'd say basically reformat and if it still happens it's hardware related probably.

 

[shazapis]

Hello,

thanks for the interest guys,

Yes, it was pre built by BCom computers (Canada). I did try a clean install (two actually) but had no luck...

Do you guys know any utility that can identify the process/driver that causes the processor surge I mentioned in my original post (sort of like a log-keeping app)

Zebo,

I have the usual protections from viruses/malware etc (AVG anti virus (had NAV2005 before that), Sygate personal firewall ant MS Antispyware). They all report no problems. Keep in mind, the problem is there even after a clean install and before connecting to the internet of installing any applications...

Thanks a lot guys! Your interest is very appreciated!

Spiros

 

[imported_rod]

Weird! - I thought a clean windows install would fix it.

 

[PokerGuy]

I've seen this issue before, it usually has to do with an IDE device hosing things up. Try disconnecting everything but the boot drive from the IDE controller, and then move the boot drive from one IDE port to another. I don't know why or how, but sometimes the IDE connection with one or more device puts everything else "on hold" for a sec or so, and then everything else continues normally.

 

[shazapis]

PockerGuy hi,

actually the boot HDD is SATA. I have two optical drives on IDE though - a DVD ROM and a DVD-RW. Should I disconnect these? Is there a way to do this without physycally disconnecting the drives (like disabling them from somewhere)?

regards,

Spiros

 

[imported_Nacelle]

Do you have another power suppy you can try in it? Maybe you got a cheap one that isn't quite cutting it. You never know.

 

[shazapis]

Nacelle,

afraid I do not have a spare PSU... I thought about getting a new one but since I get the stutter even when the PC is idle I thought it can't be related to overloaded PSU or high temperatures... Am I wrong to suppose this?

these numbers are on the side of the power supply:


ISO-500D
+3.3V 22.0A(ORG) +5V 36A(RED) +12V 18A (RED)
+5Vsb 2A (PURP)
-5V 0.5A (WHITE)
-12V 0.5A (BLUE)
Fuse Rating 8A, 250V (+3.3V&5V=220W max)
Peak Load 450W



Do you see anything useful?
best regards

Spiros

 

[One43637]

did you install Nvidia IDE drivers by any chance?

 

[shazapis]

One43637,

...have no idea. Not that I know of. How can I check that?

rgrds

Spiros

 

[furballi]

Remove all devices from the motherboard (PCI, USB, PATA, etc...). Use a zero fill software (download from the Seagate website) to wipe the HDD. Reset the CMOS. Connect ONLY the mouse, keyboard, one OPTICAL drive (master), and one HDD. Install WXP. Install the firewall. DO NOT update windows. Test the PC for a few days. If okay, then add ONE device at a time and retest for a few days to check for problem.

 

[shazapis]

Furbali,

Ok, will try that (although I'm bit of a rookie when it comes to h/ware. Hope I don't break something ). It'll probably be a while until I'll be able to report back though...

regards,

Spiros