CPU overload problem.

I installed the X1c patch when it came out. After that my CPU usage started spiking and running really high. I ended up doing a restore from an ISO image I had back to Windows 7 x64 and did a fresh install of X1 from the DVD's then applied the X1c patch. Unfortunately the problem is still there in X1 and 8.5.3.

Q: Is it possible that something permanent was written to my CPU by the 2010 Redistributable that was installed by the X1c patch?

Q: Is it possible that there was some kind of hidden file that was installed that is not being overwritten when I do a restore from an ISO image, even though I'm overwriting the MBR? Or is it possible something was installed on one of my slave HDD's?

I've checked CPU parking, turned off power saving in BIOS and Windows 7, did all the recommended tweaks, ran my system without tweaks ... kind of at a loss at this point.

Any advice would be appreciated.

System Specs:

Quad Core i5 750 (Not Sandy Bridge)
4GB RAM
Gigabyte P55M-UD2 Mobo
M-Audio Fast Track Ultra
2 SATA HDD's
9500GT Video
Windows 7 Pro x64 SP1
8.5.3 32/64
X1 32/64

Hi Jim,

I was reading somewhere that some of these quad core CPU's can be unlocked, but I don't know for sure what that means. That's why I was asking if it's possible something could have been written to my CPU in the 2010 red. update. Maybe they do something so they can't be unlocked and something went wrong? When I first applied the c patch it crashed in the middle of the update and I had to rerun it.

As for hardware configuration ... nothing has changed. All I did was install the c patch.

Do you think maybe it was just coincidence that this happened at the same time I installed the c patch? Unfortunately I don't have the money to be swapping out CPU's and motherboards right now so I guess I'm done with recording for a while. :(

I have all the temp sensors in my BIOS set to alert me if they get over the default temperature setting and so far none have gone off. I don't remember what the defaults are of the top of my head. IIRC there are three sensors, RAM, MOBO, and CPU. Yes, I built the DAW myself.

Even in Stand Alone mode Guitar Rig is using 10% CPU and it never did that before.

I think I'm just going to have to buy a new mobo and CPU when I can. :( I do use this PC harder than any I've used before. Maybe it was just it's time. I suppose I could do the warranty swap thing, but that's a royal PITA to do the CPU and Mobo at once and they really should be replaced at the same time to avoid one blowing out the other if there is a problem.

Hi Jim,

Another thing I have noticed is my Fast Track Ultra is very loud now and that started at the same time as the CPU spiking.

I put marks on the Master Output to where a comfortable volume is for listening to CD's and I gauge my mixes that way. I haven't had to adjust that since day 1. I have System Volume muted and No Sounds selected, and I have the Device Output Volume all the way up in the Windows Volume Mixer. That's how I've always had it.

Then I adjusted the FTU for a comfortable volume and marked it with a sharpie so I would have a rough idea where to get my mix volumes. Now, I barely crack the Master Output on my FTU and it's very loud.

I have to go now. I'll check back tomorrow ... and thanks for your input.

Hi kristoffer,

Yes I did. All of that checked out ok.

Thanks.

What kind of "tweaks" did you do in the BIOS?

If you set it to the Gigabyte "optimal" preset again, does it change in any way?
And, please dont say you have anything of the gigabyte drivers and/or software installed

(I have Gigabyte myself....)