3550: high DPC CPU% under Windows 7 64-bit (initialization-related?)

joelpt · Nov 14, 2009, 09:40 AM

I have recently installed Windows 7 64-bit and am experiencing some serious system slowdown while playing games using the KX 3550 drivers with an Audigy MP3+ card (SB0090M).

However, it seems I am able to avoid this slowdown -- temporarily -- by first installing the Windows-default Creative driver, then switching to the KX driver. However, rebooting again after the KX driver has been installed brings the problem right back.

Specifically, it looks like DPC's (Deferred Procedure Calls and Interrupt Service Routines) CPU usage % goes way up during gameplay (Team Fortress 2) when the problem exhibits itself:

Malfunctioning:
DPC's using 15-22% CPU; 12-45fps in game

Properly functioning:
DPC's using 0-2% CPU; 60-120fps in game

Based on my testing, my hypothesis is that the Windows-default Creative drivers are doing some sort of hardware initialization on the card, which is then 'carrying over' to when the KX drivers are first installed and making things work properly.

After another reboot, however, the problem reappears -- suggesting that said hardware initialization has gotten 'reset'.

Here are the steps that reliably reproduce the problem and temporary "solution" for me.

1. Install KX 3550 64-bit drivers; reboot.
2. Play Team Fortress 2: DPC's at 15+% CPU with poor framerates; audio output works.
3. Uninstall KX drivers; reboot.
4. Install latest Creative driver from Windows Update ('Creative SB Audigy').
5. Audio output is now nonfunctional (VU meter shows activity but there's no sound).
6. Reinstall KX 3550 drivers; reboot (warm reboot).
7. Play TF2: DPC's now at <2% CPU with great framerates; audio output and KX Mixer all work.
8. Reboot again (cold reboot).
9. Play TF2 again: DPC's back up to 15+% CPU, poor framerates, audio output still works.

I'll report back if I figure out some way to make the so-called solution "stick". In the meantime, any help would be most appreciated.

Thanks

joelpt

System specs:

Intel E6850 Core Duo
4 GB RAM
Gigabyte P35-DS3L motherboard
Sound Blaster Audigy MP3+ (SB0090M)
Nvidia 8800 GT 512MB (EVGA branded)

Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit

co3ja · Jan 3, 2010, 01:56 AM

I also have problems with my ct4670 sound blaster. The 3550 kx dont install in my windows 7 64 bits. My computer is intel dg33bu , core2 duo and 2 gb ram. Can somebody helpme about?

Nov 14, 2009, 09:40 AM	#1
joelpt DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 1 Rep Power: 0	3550: high DPC CPU% under Windows 7 64-bit (initialization-related?) I have recently installed Windows 7 64-bit and am experiencing some serious system slowdown while playing games using the KX 3550 drivers with an Audigy MP3+ card (SB0090M). However, it seems I am able to avoid this slowdown -- temporarily -- by first installing the Windows-default Creative driver, then switching to the KX driver. However, rebooting again after the KX driver has been installed brings the problem right back. Specifically, it looks like DPC's (Deferred Procedure Calls and Interrupt Service Routines) CPU usage % goes way up during gameplay (Team Fortress 2) when the problem exhibits itself: Malfunctioning: DPC's using 15-22% CPU; 12-45fps in game Properly functioning: DPC's using 0-2% CPU; 60-120fps in game Based on my testing, my hypothesis is that the Windows-default Creative drivers are doing some sort of hardware initialization on the card, which is then 'carrying over' to when the KX drivers are first installed and making things work properly. After another reboot, however, the problem reappears -- suggesting that said hardware initialization has gotten 'reset'. Here are the steps that reliably reproduce the problem and temporary "solution" for me. 1. Install KX 3550 64-bit drivers; reboot. 2. Play Team Fortress 2: DPC's at 15+% CPU with poor framerates; audio output works. 3. Uninstall KX drivers; reboot. 4. Install latest Creative driver from Windows Update ('Creative SB Audigy'). 5. Audio output is now nonfunctional (VU meter shows activity but there's no sound). 6. Reinstall KX 3550 drivers; reboot (warm reboot). 7. Play TF2: DPC's now at <2% CPU with great framerates; audio output and KX Mixer all work. 8. Reboot again (cold reboot). 9. Play TF2 again: DPC's back up to 15+% CPU, poor framerates, audio output still works. I'll report back if I figure out some way to make the so-called solution "stick". In the meantime, any help would be most appreciated. Thanks joelpt System specs: Intel E6850 Core Duo 4 GB RAM Gigabyte P35-DS3L motherboard Sound Blaster Audigy MP3+ (SB0090M) Nvidia 8800 GT 512MB (EVGA branded) Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit Last edited by joelpt; Nov 14, 2009 at 09:54 AM.

Jan 3, 2010, 01:56 AM	#2
co3ja HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1 Rep Power: 0	Re: 3550: high DPC CPU% under Windows 7 64-bit (initialization-related?) I also have problems with my ct4670 sound blaster. The 3550 kx dont install in my windows 7 64 bits. My computer is intel dg33bu , core2 duo and 2 gb ram. Can somebody helpme about?