CPU usage is normal, between 10 and 20% for flash video and 30-50% for MW2.
Run mbam, avast, cleaned my registry and physically dusted and reseated various bits on the mobo.
Can't figure it. First I thought it was a flash ****up from adobe, but then why would proper games be affected.. Then directx.. but <<-vice versa flash.. Went through my installed programs with ccleaner, this started about a fortnight ago so I thumbed through anything I might have downloaded that's buggered the audio codecs or changed video settings.. nada.
Spec is as follows:
4 year old..
E8400
DS3r mobo
4gb corsair ram (DHX 6400)
8800gts
(all needs replacing, but i'm a postgrad student, i'll go i7 when i get a job!

)