High CPU-usage when accessing DVD

[feather_]

I have a Vaio VGN-S3XP

If i try to watch a DVD-movie, my computer becomes very slow (the dvd can not even play smoothly) and if I try to burn a DVD, I can not use the computer at the same time. CPU usage is 100% and even the mouse reacts slowly.

Any ideas? Does this has anything to do with my DVD being in PIO-mode instead of DMA-mode. I think so, but I can't change the value 😞 After reboot it is always in PIO-mode, no mather what I try.

This problem drives me crazy. The computer works fine otherwise.

[seb21__]

Does this has anything to do with my DVD being in PIO-mode instead of DMA-mode

Yes. You must change to DMA.

Click Start > System configure > system > hardware > devices manager > IDE/ATAPI-Controller

doubleclick the "secondary IDE-Channel" and click "extended configure"
there you must change to DMA. PIO is too slow.

[jammold]

In addition:

Change your power mode to Max/Degrade/Optimised/Always On as any one of these should work fine for DVD playback.

Disable the screensaver.

Close any unnecessary CPU-intensive applications unless you really cannot live without them.

Defragment your hard disk. Sounds crazy but if your PC is not having to reconstruct system files in order to run then performance will be better.

[kee-lo_]

Also defrag on a regular basis

[robpaxton]

If the computer will not allow you to access the drive in DMA mode then you will have to remove the drive controllers from device manager and reboot the computer to allow the controllers to be re-installed.

If the drive still won't allow DMA mode then there may be a problem with the connecting cable, drive, or controller.

[kee-lo_]

It should work though, I'd expect Sony to use the correct cables.

[feather_]

Thanks for your answers.

I solved the problem by uninstalling both the primary and secondary IDE-channel and after one or two reboots it was set to DMA-mode. Now I like my vaio again

[seb21__]

haha!, Another problem which is solved.:smileygrin: