Force CPU use - Windows XP

[sprtm]

I have a some issues with a smart power strip connected to my cabinet. When the computer CPU is idle for a short while, consuming less power, the power strip seem to have difficulties providing power to the monitor and the other accessories connected to the strip. Everything starts to flicker and sound very strange. As soon as the CPU usage goes up a few %, the power strip can supporting the cabinet with power without issues.

So what I need is a way to constantly force a process in the background to consume between 2-3% CPU. Is there an easy way to accomplish this in Windows XP? Any smart command that can be looped after booting? The process cannot take too much power as it should not affect the performance of the emulators.

Any ideas?

[Malenko]

Turn off power save in the bios?

[sprtm]

I haven't been able to find any suitable setting for that, neither in the BIOS or in Windows. But after I installed TightVNC, I haven't experienced any problems (so far). It's possible that the TightVNC process is sufficient to raise the required power consumption.

[nitrogen_widget]

Get one of these:


plug your PC in one of the outlets and another always on device in the other.
It will think your PC is always on.

[ark_ader]

Run your virus scan 24/7

[Howard_Casto]

I don't know about xp, but in newer devices, UPS show up as their own devices in the control panel.  You have a set of settings in the device properties as well as general energy saver options elsewhere in the control panel (usually grouped with the screen saver settings strangely enough).