Is my CPU too slow? High CPU Usage

[Mark]

I have a P4 Celeron 1.8 GHZ w/ over 700 mb of ram running XP Pro
Service Pack2. I noticed sluggishness when I started using the new
Yahoo Beta. My CPU usage was around 100% when scrolling in Yahoo Beta.

Next, I noticed heavy static and cutting out using Skype or other VOIP
type software. I clicked on task manager and usage was 100% during the
periods of static and quality issues. I am running high speed internet
at around 4800 kbps, so know my internet is not to blame. I don't
usually use Skype with any other apps running. I even disable my
anti-virus.

My system idle process can vary from 68-75%, with CPU usage of around
27%. I have checked for spyware and other malware/viruses I am clean.

Just wondering if my CPU is too slow? Or something else is going on?

Thanks

 

[Glen]

Look at CPU usage when using skype. If CPU usage is high during those times
then it is struggling to keep up. A celeron is a slower processor than a
genuine Pentium. It doesn't have the same cache memory built in. You will
always be better of with a genuine Pentium. You might find a 1.8 celeron
just isn't cutting it thease days. Don't look at the minimum specs to
determine if a processor is up to the job look at recommended then add a bit
for longevity.

You have a reasonable amount or RAM so assuming you dont have massive
amounts of programs running, it is the CPU doing its job that slowing you
down and a faster one might be needed.

System idle is the processor doing nothing so system idle of 70% means your
processor is doing 30% work.

Sysinternals has some good tools to help id processes.

Process explorer
http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/ProcessExplorer.html