Intel D101GGC motherboard always put CPU at 100%.

[CougTek]

I have a problem I've so far been unable to resolve. A crappy Gateway box in which is nesting an Intel D101GGC motherboard (ATI Xpress 200 chipset). The computer is slow as a snail. One process, only dubbed "System", is using 100% of the processor. I cannot shut down the process.

I tried to change the procesor, the power supply and do a whole new Windows installation on another hard drive : same problem. The computer is slow even during POST. I haven't seen anything in the BIOS that can do this. I even disabled the integrated audio and LAN to no avail. I also replaced the RAM.

Except for throwing it in front of a bus, what's left to do with this? BIOS upgrade? Doubtful.

 

[MaxBurn]

When you did the new OS did you use the same drivers?

 

[CougTek]

There are not even any driver installed yet and the "System" process already takes 100% of the CPU time. There were unknown versions of the chipset drivers installed on the original installation.

 

[MaxBurn]

Use the same install media then? Try another disk or another OS?

 

[CougTek]

The media used for the second installation certainly wasn't the same as the one used in the original installation. I can try another OS, but ultimately I'll have to find a way to make Windows XP Home work because that's what's on the sticker glued on the box. IMO, trying another OS won't change anything because the machine is slow even during POST, well before the OS loads.

 

[ddrueding]

Any BIOS updates available?

 

[Will Rickards]

Try putting something that monitors CPU/chipset temps in there.
One of the chips might be overheating.
Or just remove/replace the heatsinks.

 

[Will Rickards]

Some diagnostic advice here:
http://blogs.technet.com/markrussinovich/archive/2008/04/07/3031251.aspx

 

[CougTek]

I did remove the heatsink, clean the thermal interface, reapply thermal compound and reinstall the heatsink. No improvement.

Then, I chose the bus solution.

 

[Handruin]

What about trying something like process explorer to see if it will break down whatever might be inside that generic "System" process. Assuming you didn't damage the bus...

 

[Bozo]

I believe MS has the Winternals utility to look into the 'system' process and let you know whats going on.

 

[time]

Have you reset the CMOS by pulling the battery/using a jumper yet?

I take it there's no "throttling" setting in the BIOS? What sort of temperatures/voltages are reported in the BIOS?