Windows 7 - High CPU usage, even after clean re-install

Hi Guys,

I have Windows 7 Professional 64bit. Recently my CPU usage started to get really high, even when seemingly idle. % varies from 10-100% and fluctuates pretty wildly. Any normal activity sends it up into the 60%+ zone.

Here are my specs:

Intel Core 2 Duo P9700 2.80GHz
RAM 2x2GB

So far I've done a system scan (command prompt, sfc/scannow) and came up clean.

I've re-installed windows 7 twice and even before i do anything its already higher than one would expect.

After reading some post is ran CPU-Z (see attachment). Am i right in thinking that my core speed is way down?

If not, any ideas what i can do to diagnose/fix my problem?

Thanks in advance!

Providing you know there is no infection on your hard drive then I would suggest you check there isn't a BIOS update for your motherboard in order to accommodate the P9700, and that in general your BIOS settings are set at safety defaults when tackling this sort of issue.

Thanks very much for the response.

I also have an SSD and did a 'clean all' on command of it before my last re-install. Could a virus have survivied that? I assume not...

I might have come across as more competent than I actually am.

How do I do these things you suggest?

Any BIOS updates, and their history and reason for introduction, should be listed on your motherboard manufacturers website.

Your splash screen at POST (the white lettering which appears on screen before you boot into Windows) will tell you what BIOS version you have onboard. You can freeze the screen at any instant by pressing "Pause" on your keyboard.

Normally to get into the BIOS you will see on onscreen prompt at POST saying hit "Del" or another key.

Once into the BIOS things are mainly self explanatory, and unless your motherboard is very recent you will have to navigate using your keyboards arrow, esc, and return keys.

This link might assist you

Maximum PC | Ultimate BIOS Guide: Every Setting Decrypted and Explained!

The core speed in your screenshot is probably correct. These processors throttle way down when idle, to lower heat and save on battery usage. If you want a more accurate reading, put your CPU under a stress, and then run CPU-Z.