Unknown CPU Usage Causing Stuttering Audio

[icevonshredula]

Hey there. So I've been having this problem where my CPU is constantly hovering at around 30% usage, and after investigating with ProcessExplorer and Task Manager, I've found that the process responsible for most of it is the "System" process in \system32 (the description says "NT Kernel & System"). Unfortunately, nothing seems to be able to pinpoint what exactly is causing this process to be using so much of my CPU. The reason this is so annoying though is that when the System process reaches 15% or higher CPU usage (which is does pretty frequently), any sounds my computer is playing stutter very obnoxiously. This makes it really unpleasant to listen to music or try to steam videos with sound while my CPU is constantly spiking. Does anyone know how to troubleshoot this or some common causes of these symptoms? I've tried everything I know. Thanks.

 

[richc46]

Run a full anti virus scan
Download and make a full, updated scan with malwarebytes. If these are negative
See if a clean boot will help you diagnose.
How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7

 

[PeaB4YouGo]

I was going to suggest using msconfig to turn off some of the processes that run when you boot, but someone beat me to the punch by suggesting something similar.

 

[icevonshredula]

Alright, I tried running Spybot S&D even though I already have AVG 11, and it actually found about 10 threats. After removing them, though, the problem is still here. Any other suggestions?

 

[richc46]

Now use malwarebytes as suggested, you may be surprised.

 

[whs]

There may be a latency/driver problem. Run this program, see whether it shows any red bars and what it says regarding drivers.

 

[SlackerITGuy]

There may be a latency/driver problem. Run this program, see whether it shows any red bars and what it says regarding drivers.

This....

 

[Layback Bear]

Just a thought. You are using AVG11 and it found 10 problems. How did those problems get past AVG11 in the first place? I like richc46 recommend using Malwarebytes anti malware. IMHO changing anything in a computer until it is clean of bad things may cause more problems.