4GB Memory and 100% CPU Usage

[Eklohmyn]

I recently upgraded from 1gb to 4gb memory (2x2gb, 800Mhz) and my pc barely runs. It is SOOOOO SLOW and my cpu usage is always at 100%. It takes like 20 mins just to open start menu and what not.

What's wrong with this? I tried restarting several times and it didn't work. My mobo supports upto 8GB memory, so it's fine. Also the comp runs well in safe mode, but it takes like 2 hours to load and runs very, VERY slowly.

E6300 @ 1.86ghz
Intel DG965WH mobo
OCZ Sli-Ready 4GB memory 800Mhz (2x2gb)

 

[Markyip1]

Couple of thoughts:

* Have you checked the BIOS to make sure the your RAM's timings and voltages are set correctly? I have 8 gigs of OC-Z Sli-Ready RAM, and while they would set themselves up correctly on nForce boards, I needed to manually input both voltage and timings (even when running at stock) for the RAM to operate properly on my P45-based P5Q.

* Are you sure that your DIMMS aren't faulty? If your RAM is correctly detected and setup in your BIOS, and you are still experiencing problems, download memtest86+ and burn it to a CD. Then take out all but one stick and run the test (it boots off the CD) for several hours. Repeat for each stick unless you find an issue. If no issues are found, you may want to try running with both sticks overnight.

* Lastly, what are your virtual memory settings in Windows. Even with 4 gigs of RAM, Windows requires a sizable swap file.