I think my computer is hosed

[PhilR]

Okay, the PC I'm posting from is a Intel Dual-Core rated at 2.8Ghz with 1Gb of RAM. Not a shit spec I'd say although far from cutting edge. Yet for some reason I load a REAPER session full of drum stems and it'll be absolutely maxing out the CPU with only a gate & comp & EQ on a single track! It'll be sitting idle and hitting 100% cpu usage on both cores! This doesn't sound like a healthy machine at all to me.

I'm pretty much on the verge of just layout out on some new hardware because I'm starting to think there's something seriously wrong here. Is it possible to buy B-grade factory reject chips? cos I think that's probably what I have. I bought a pre-built PC for the first time in my life because I just couldn't be bothered shopping for parts and I've regretted it ever since.

 

[kev]

Something is amiss...

1Gig of ram isnt very workable, but you reckon you're getting shagged on the cpu side of things. What CPU? Has this only just started happening mate?

 

[PhilR]

It's a Pentium D. I've never had a problem with RAM usage, I keep my system processes as lean as possible. But even with project running no FX at all I'll suffer system brainfarts and massive CPU usage.

Truth be told I've never been happy with it from the word go, I've had any number of issues like total system lockups and stuff. Now I'm wondering if the CPU is overheating and slowly frying itself.

 

[GarethSE]

get a can of compressed air and clean out your CPU cooling tower
and all the other dust n shit
thank me later

 

[kev]

Grab coretemp Phil, that'll let you know about your CPU temps. You dont really want to be going over 70 degrees i'd say with a PD.

http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/

Pentium D's are almost 5 years old now, so they are certainly getting on. I wouldnt have thought you'd be getting such ball ache however- for some reason I have a sneaking suspicion reaper might be causing this.

 

[SocialNumb]

I won't give any advise.

 

[PhilR]

Grab coretemp Phil, that'll let you know about your CPU temps. You dont really want to be going over 70 degrees i'd say with a PD.

http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/

Pentium D's are almost 5 years old now, so they are certainly getting on. I wouldnt have thought you'd be getting such ball ache however- for some reason I have a sneaking suspicion reaper might be causing this.

CoreTemp doesn't support my CPU at all, thanks anyway.

I'll airdust everything out, but I'm thinking it is nigh on time I put together a system that can at least pretend to be somewhat stable. Not that I can afford anything much though.

Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit! Just ran ASUS PC Probe, I'm hitting about 70-72 degrees. Definitly needs a cleanout.

 

[Trevoire520]

get a can of compressed air and clean out your CPU cooling tower
and all the other dust n shit
thank me later

+1

Seriously, my PC was so clogged up with shit that whenever it switched on the fan went on full tilt to try and cool the cpu down. Took the pc apart and got in there with some compressed air and cotton buds and gave it a thorough clean. Now my pc is quiet and runs much better.

 

[Auster]

Change for a higher latency on your soundcard, that will give some headroom for your CPU and memory....

 

[PhilR]

Change for a higher latency on your soundcard, that will give some headroom for your CPU and memory....

Tried it, believe me. Doesn't really explain why my CPU usage is maxed out when it's not even playing.

 

[Fox Mulder]

my CPU usage is maxed out when it's not even playing.

I'd suggest a clean install.

 

[Damian B]

Definitely sounds like a heat issue... try cleaning out the heatsink and applying new thermal paste. If that doesn't cool it down then you have a bad processor :\