AMD to Intel????

[number001]

the cpu should not be causing a 100% spike in cpu usage in light WinXP multitasking... there's something in windows or some app running in the background or foreground that's causing the spike. a Venice-core Athlon is more than enough for Windows XP

Personally, I'd still try loading a Linux Live CD and find out if it is indeed the hardware.

Sometimes, drivers are at fault which makes it a software problem. Also, the page file may also be taking up too much resources if control is left to Windows XP. I always keep my page file permanent and located in a different hard drive from where XP is installed. There has not been any sign of similar cpu spikes whatsoever.

With Vista, the page file is contained in the same 40gb hard drive where Vista RC1 is. I do keep it permanent as well.

Add: I'd also keep an eye on hard drive activity the next time the spikes occur.

I appreciate everyone trying to diagnose the problem. But you have to understand my Intel (then/before) and AMD (now/currently) sysem are essentially share the same every piece of hardware and software installed, save for the CPU and Mobo. No changes were made. Yet, the AMD does have a 3 to 4 seconds of "freeze" once in a while, esp. when I'm throwing it with so many tasks at the same time. Even startup is also slower. The P4 3.0E does not seem to have any of these problem, even when its temp is already 60F - this is the "PressHOT" core, btw.

Yes, there is hard drive activity when the "freeze" occurs bec. it is loading something (ie. program, file, etc...).

Asrock mobo sucks!

Well, I dont know. Lots of people were all praises for the MB I got, for its supposed enthusiast level of usage capabilities.



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Oh well, I hope the shops in Gilmore still sell some Intel P4 CPU in the sub Php 4,500.00 price tag. Here in the Philippines, they move old stocks out quickly and forcing everyone to spend so much money on the latest CPUs. At least, in the US, through newegg, ordering and assembling is a breeze. And most importantly, newegg still carries old stocks, unlike here. Here, even with the number of shops in Gilmore, you'd still be hard-pressed to find anything not mainstream (ie. slightly old stock).

[Jun aka Pekto]

The P4 3.0E does not seem to have any of these problem, even when its temp is already 60F - this is the "PressHOT" core, btw.

Yes, there is hard drive activity when the "freeze" occurs bec. it is loading something (ie. program, file, etc...).

The P4-3.0E is HT-enabled if I'm not mistaken. That should give it an edge over AMD singlecore cpu's in multitasking functions. But, the freezes aren't the norm for AMD cpu's either. So, there's definitely something wrong.

If it is hardware related, I'd suspect the Norbridge/Southbridge duo, especially if it's hard drive i/o issues. I have no experience with the ULi chipsets. So, I'm not much help there. One reason I liked the nForce4 Ultra chipset is the lack of need for separate Northbridge and Southbridge chips. That right there erased a lot of potential hardware issues for me.

[Alpha_One]

I appreciate everyone trying to diagnose the problem. But you have to understand my Intel (then/before) and AMD (now/currently) sysem are essentially share the same every piece of hardware and software installed, save for the CPU and Mobo. No changes were made. Yet, the AMD does have a 3 to 4 seconds of "freeze" once in a while, esp. when I'm throwing it with so many tasks at the same time. Even startup is also slower. The P4 3.0E does not seem to have any of these problem, even when its temp is already 60F - this is the "PressHOT" core, btw.

Yes, there is hard drive activity when the "freeze" occurs bec. it is loading something (ie. program, file, etc...).



Well, I dont know. Lots of people were all praises for the MB I got, for its supposed enthusiast level of usage capabilities.



***************************

Oh well, I hope the shops in Gilmore still sell some Intel P4 CPU in the sub Php 4,500.00 price tag. Here in the Philippines, they move old stocks out quickly and forcing everyone to spend so much money on the latest CPUs. At least, in the US, through newegg, ordering and assembling is a breeze. And most importantly, newegg still carries old stocks, unlike here. Here, even with the number of shops in Gilmore, you'd still be hard-pressed to find anything not mainstream (ie. slightly old stock).

The P4 HT is a lot smoother during multi-tasking than the single-core A64s I've used. It isn't THAT bad though... I mean, even on my old Duron system I can feel the slowness, but none of that freezing malarkey.

Does the sound stutter (sirang plaka/pirated CD yung tunog) when it freezes? Do you have the Cool n' Quiet enabled (try disabling it)?

OT: Re old stocks: There isn't much of a "spare parts" market here in the Philippines. Everyone I know replaces their computer when it breaks, and everyone has exactly the same hardware it has when it was bought.