problem with random CPU usage on xps 16

I just got a dell xps 16 a few days back, nothing is wrong with it in terms of heat however i noticed that the CPU usage fluctuates randomly between 30% and 100%. I'm not actually doing anything stressfull, just browsing the internet. Is this normal?

P.S: the processor i have is the 2.4Ghz P8600

P.P.S: This becomes more apparent when using it on battery rather than on charge.


Thanks

 

It's normal for computers with a lot of bloatware. I had the same problem when I first got my computer, where the CPU usage would fluctuate between 15-30% when the computer was idling, and then go up to around 60% while I was using the internet. This is due to all the useless programs that come on the computer when you first get it - I know that McAfee is a huge CPU leech, and I think I read on here that the facial recognition software makes the computer run slower as well.

If this is the problem with your computer you'll notice that it has been doing it since you first got the computer... It's not the type of thing that occurs suddenly after it running fine for a couple weeks. You can go through and delete all the bloatware yourself, though since I'm no software expert, I wasn't exactly sure what was unnecessary and could be removed.

I eventually did a clean install of Vista with the discs provided (this will make for the quickest computer eventually), which will get rid of all the unnecessary programs. After that the resolution was all crappy because it gets rid of all the drivers that make the computer run better, and you'll have to go download all of those. Some of them are on the drivers disc that comes with the computer, and others you'll have to download online at Dell.com. At the Dell website you can also (in theory) re-download all the programs you do want (like PowerDVD and stuff), though I can't get the Dell My Downloads site to work for me.

 

i see, well in that case rather than do a clean install of vista, is it better if i wait for windows 7 since i'm eligible for a free upgrade? Or is the upgrade from dell download only; i.e no discs involved?

 

I found my SXPS 1640 ran like a champ on first run then after intitalizing Norton Security, it runs much slower, even with Windows 7. Seeing as though i ran my previous machine without any antivirus or security software, the machine ran fine, even with Windows 7 so i may do the same in this case. I agree about the bloatware...time to clean house! Actually, what would be better in my case, remove the individual programs or just do a new clean install of the OS and NOT install the bloatware again?