Okay...time to post the sad hard truth in hopes that someone else might benefit from my misery. If you're getting maxed CPU usage and you are running INTEGRATED graphics (like Nvidia GeForce 9100), make sure you check CPU temps. Open the box, pull out the over-priced can of compressed air and blow out the heat exchanger and fan. This is as simple a fix as a car that won't start, but not checking to see if there is gas in the tank! Never would have believed it, but after checking countless forums for a week, an Nvidia forum revealed the fix that integrated graphics, lame though they are, are especially susceptible to the slightest layer of dust which, of course, impacts temps and response. I have had deeper layers of dust on the toilet seat, so I never would have believed such a minute bit of matter could have made such a difference! Embarrassing though it is, after countless diagnostics, driver reloads, clean boots and re-installs, keep the bugger clean! Magic Andre...thanx for your help! Thank you for the education!!! Good luck all!