Using Windows 8 RP, my computer is sustaining a 26.6% CPU usage while sitting at the desktop doing absolutely nothing. The other day it was over 50%.
The entire usage is due to a process called "System".
I would blame a faulty task manager, but the usage must be legitimate, as my CPU temperature rises substantially during these periods of use.
My CPU is a 3.6ghz quad core, so the cause cannot be an underpowered CPU.
After a fresh restart, the usage will drop back down to a normal 0-1%.
Does anyone have any idea what's going on?