Is this normal cpu activity?

[Robwan]

I've noticed that my cpu activity when idol and no programs open is quite different on my laptop compared to my desktop and i wondered whether this is normal for a laptop.

From the images, the desktop one shows literally nothing, it fluctuates from 0-1% when nothing is open.

However my laptop just keeps going up and down and fluctuates from like 0-20% all the bars randomly spike every now and again.

I have checked processes and startup programs and the laptop has no significant differences to my desktop both have the highest process as svchost which is normal. I've also done all windows updates etc.

Is it just something with laptops or should i be worred?

Desktop cpu - i7-920
laptop cpu - i7 2670qm

Thanks, any help is appreciated

 

[Ztruker]

What do you see in Task Manager / Processes tab, sorted by CPU utilization?

 

[gazz9496]

i would normally put that down to the overall performance difference that desktops have over laptop counterparts.

but it could be some hidden process or service running in the background.

 

[OldMX]

Robwan, download Process Explorer to get a more detailed view than the one provided by Windows Task Manager.

 

[Robwan]

Ok thanks guys. It seems to have calmed down now, with a more steady flow. However, when it was fluctuating it was something like this ordered by cpu: (sorry, i should have taken a shot)

System idle = 94-99
MsMpEng = 1-2
taskmgr = 1-2

all the other processes weren't really doing much, occasionally other ones would pop up and use a bit of cpu, but i checked most of them and the folder location and they all seemed safe.

I'm assuming it could be MSE doing background stuff. Also its a new install of win 7 (few days old) so possibly still settling down?

Robwan, download Process Explorer to get a more detailed view than the one provided by Windows Task Manager.

This is really good! thankyou


Anyways I will see it goes over next few days and report back if I see any anomalies.

Thanks again for the help guys