Fine at first, then slows right down

[OTG]

This issue is not restricted to just dbPowerAmp, but to any software which uses a lot of CPU power for a sustained period, eg Mixed-In-Key, Reason, etc. However, I don't have that much software installed on my music PC, especially as I've recently reinstalled Windows and all software on it to try to eliminate the issue outlined here:

When converting files to MP3, the first two or three encode at around x4 speed, which is great, and what I'd expect to see. However, after that, the encode speed will drop over the course of the next file to around x0.2 - yes, one fifth of the original tempo of the tune. A similar thing happens when ripping from CD, starts out fine, then grinds to a halt.

Codecs Installed:
Encoders (write)
- Aiff Release 6
- Apple Lossless Release 7
- FLAC Release 10 (FLAC 1.2.0)
- m4a Nero (AAC) Release 7
- mp3 (Lame) Lame 3.97
- Test Conversion
- Wave Release 12.4
- Windows Media Audio 10 Release 5 (WMA Pro 10)

Decoders (read)
- Advanced Audio Compression Decoder
- Aiff Decoder
- CD Decoder Release 12.4
- FLAC Decoder
- m4a / mp4 Decoder
- mp3 Decoder Release 12.4
- Wave Decoder Release 12.4
- Windows Media Audio Decoder

All codecs are fully up to date, as are all drivers, etc.

Any ideas what could be causing this? it's seriously frustrating me!

[LtData]

Re: Fine at first, then slows right down

If many programs are doing it, I suspect the problem might be that the CPU is getting too hot and throttling itself down to try to cool off, especially since this happens with multiple programs. Is this a desktop or laptop? What CPU do you have?

[OTG]

Re: Fine at first, then slows right down

It's a creaking 6 year old P4M based Dell Inspiron 8200 laptop.. the CPU overheating's a good call, could well be that due to age.

Time to strip it down and clean all the components, especially the fan!

Thanks for your help

[OTG]

Re: Fine at first, then slows right down

Lt Data, thanks for pointing me in the right direction, one of the cooling fans has ceased to function, so the laptop's overheating.

:komisch12

[LtData]

Re: Fine at first, then slows right down

Ouch, well at least you found the problem.