Extremely High CPU usage for SYSTEM process

[MrGnome]

I'm noticing extremely high cpu usage (99%) with network access from clients. I'm running internet sharing with my machine as a gateway, (XP Pro ICS) and my girlfriend's computer as a client (XP PRO). When she downloads something from the internet with speeds over, say 500k/s, it really slows down my system to a halt.

We are using 100mbps network cards between us (mine is nvidia nforce onboard with latest drivers, and hers is RTL8139)

My computer is connected to the internet with a 10mbps Realtek 8029AS card, with latest drivers.

This is really driving me nuts... I realize it must have something to do with network settings or drivers, but i cannot figure out what's wrong.

Any suggestions on where to start checking?

best regards
Joachim

[Miz]

The ideal solution is to go to buy a router...around $30 or $40. It will not only make networking a lot simpler, it provides additional internet security and will keep the two computers from interfering with each other while online.

That said, to see if you can get ICS working right, check out the information in the MS KB article, How to Troubleshoot Internet Connection Sharing Problems.

[MrGnome]

Okay, will check that link out, thanx!

Been considering buying a router actually, think I'm gonna do that eventually, anyway I think my 3ghz Athlon should be able to act as a gateway without competely dying like this, so there must be something wrong with my system...