Win XP - CPU usage

I have 2 computers, one of which is win XP professional, another one is win XP home. Both have a memory of 512MB. However, if I open the same number of IE pages & real-time quotes & charts on both computers, the CPU usage (this can be viewed by "performance" toolbar on "windows task managerâ€) on the home computer is 30-40% and everything’s fine; but the CPU usage on the prof computer is often 100% and the computer stops functioning.

So how can I improve my CPU usage conditions on my prof computer? Should I add memory? Or should I fix some programs on my computer?

Thx in advance

 

Hello cstdc555,

First thing that comes to mind is bad memory stick(s).

Two software memory diagnostic tools:

http://www.simmtester.com/ - Shareware with free trial
http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp - From MS

Use them both to cross-check each other.

Regards - Charles

 

Hi Pete,

Yes, no errors on either on. Thanks for your post, will keep it in mind.

Certainly vindicates cross checking.

Wonder if there is a third memory checker?

Regards - Charles

 

Hi charles,

Thanks a lot!

I used Win Mem Diagnostic to check my memory. It says "no errors have been found."

The other one, DocMemory, doesn't work. I've already sent an email to ask DocMemory's consultation but haven't gotten any replies yet.

Are there any other ways to solve the CPU usage problem?


Thanks again.


Cstdc555

 

Since both computers are XP's, both have equal size chips... any chance they are the SAME type of chip Aida32 could help determine? If yes, swap them around. If problem follows the chips, replace it. If not, you can move on in the trouble shooting.

PS Update
______________________________________________
Be aware, if you do the above you have a high probability of getting a WMP (Windows Product Activation) request screen. I've never "swapped" memory, but when I added memory, I got the WMP screen.

 

Hi Dennis,

One of my computers is P4 winXP pro with 512 mb of mem; another one is AMD k7 winXP home with 2 sticks of 256 mb mem. So I can't swap them around. but aida 32 is a great program. thanx!

By the way, a general question, would adding memory improve CPU usage condition? if so, i'll just add another 512 mb mem stick on my P4 winXP pro.

Best regards

cstdc555