Scroll = massive performance hit (Ubuntu 8.04)

**giecsar** · 03-08-2009

Ok, so I've been using Ubuntu for a few weeks now but I still can't find a solution to this problem. Basically the thing is whenever I scroll (either up or down, it doesn't matter) the computer slows down. A LOT.
Take a look at the screenshot, in the upper right corner you can see the CPU usage as reported by the Krellm system monitor.
My best guess is this a memory management problem (a leak?) but I really don't know...
I have the newest video drivers installed and I can confirm it's not a video card-related issue because I can turn on all the features and effects in Compiz without seeing any performance hit whatsoever.
Reinstalling the OS didn't at all

Also keep in mind this is not an application specific issue.
I have read through many threads that discuss this problem but none of them actually provide a solution unfortunately.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

My computer:
OS: Super Ubuntu 2008.11 / Ubuntu 8.04 LT
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+
RAM: 4GB DDR2 800Mhz
VGA: nVIDIA GeForce 9600GT
Motherboard: ASUS M2N-E SLI
HDD: 2x WD 500AAKS 500GB + Seagata Barracuda 7200.11 1TB
PSU: Enermax PRO82+ 625W

**dijetlo** · 03-09-2009

It's likely an issue with smooth scrolling and anit-aliasing, what kind of desktop are you using?

**giecsar** · 03-09-2009

GNOME w/ Compiz.
But you don't understand, it's not about eye-candy (smooth scrolling or antialiasing or whatever)....if you look at the screenshot you can see that CPU usage goes up to 99% when I scroll and like I said in the original post enabling or disabling visual effects like AA, motion blur. etc makes no difference at all. I can even close all applications and background services, it still won't make any difference.

**techieMoe** · 03-09-2009

Originally Posted by giecsar

GNOME w/ Compiz.
But you don't understand, it's not about eye-candy (smooth scrolling or antialiasing or whatever)....if you look at the screenshot you can see that CPU usage goes up to 99% when I scroll and like I said in the original post enabling or disabling visual effects like AA, motion blur. etc makes no difference at all. I can even close all applications and background services, it still won't make any difference.

What setting is your CPU Performance set to? Does it do this on both "performance" and "on demand" or just the latter?

**giecsar** · 03-09-2009

Originally Posted by techieMoe

What setting is your CPU Performance set to? Does it do this on both "performance" and "on demand" or just the latter?

Uhm....I'm not sure I understand what you are talking about. Where can I find this setting?

**dijetlo** · 03-09-2009

The grellem menu is available by right clicking on the tittle bar. Choose configure, Click on the left hand panel where it talks about CPU or CPU monitoring, the settings he's talking about should come up in the right panel.

**techieMoe** · 03-09-2009

I believe the applet is called "CPU Frequency and Scaling Monitor." It can be added to the menubar with a right click.

**giecsar** · 03-09-2009

I see...I'll look into it as soon as I'll be able to use Linux again (I have some work to do). Thanks.

**giecsar** · 03-09-2009

Yes, the applet is indeed called "CPU Frequency and Scaling Monitor". I've added it to the panel. However the setting you mentioned is not there, there are only a few display options....

**techieMoe** · 03-10-2009

Originally Posted by giecsar

Yes, the applet is indeed called "CPU Frequency and Scaling Monitor". I've added it to the panel. However the setting you mentioned is not there, there are only a few display options....

Are you right-clicking or left-clicking? Left-click to set the performance options.

Thread Tools

Display

Scroll = massive performance hit (Ubuntu 8.04)

Posting Permissions