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Firefox 17.0.1 excessive CPU load while in Ebay search results page (not happening in IE8)

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Ebay made a few recent changes to their search results page. While in this page (doesn't matter what you're searching for), while in firefox, cpu usage spikes to 90, then after page fully loads, remains around 45-60. If I create a blank tab, and click that tab, cpu usage drops to 0; click the ebay tab, and cpu usage goes back up. I tested this with all add-ons disabled with the same results. Using IE8, and the exact same search results (copy/paste address into ie8), the cpu usage spikes to 10-15, then after page fully loads, cpu goes down to 1-2 and stays there. I have hardware acceleration checked. Also, I have no way of comfirming this, but the cpu usage wasn't this high using firefox 14, only since I updated to 17 2 weeks ago. Any ideas? Thanks.

Ebay made a few recent changes to their search results page. While in this page (doesn't matter what you're searching for), while in firefox, cpu usage spikes to 90, then after page fully loads, remains around 45-60. If I create a blank tab, and click that tab, cpu usage drops to 0; click the ebay tab, and cpu usage goes back up. I tested this with all add-ons disabled with the same results. Using IE8, and the exact same search results (copy/paste address into ie8), the cpu usage spikes to 10-15, then after page fully loads, cpu goes down to 1-2 and stays there. I have hardware acceleration checked. Also, I have no way of comfirming this, but the cpu usage wasn't this high using firefox 14, only since I updated to 17 2 weeks ago. Any ideas? Thanks.

All Replies (2)

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This can be caused by JavaScript that runs on the eBay pages and that isn't working properly in Firefox.

Start Firefox in Safe Mode to check if one of the extensions (Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Extensions) or if hardware acceleration is causing the problem (switch to the DEFAULT theme: Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Appearance).

  • Do not click the Reset button on the Safe mode start window or otherwise make changes.

In Firefox Safe mode these changes are effective:

  • all extensions are disabled
  • the default theme is used (no persona)
  • userChrome.css and userContent.css are ignored
  • the default toolbar layout is used
  • the Javascript JIT compiler is disabled
  • hardware acceleration is disabled
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Thanks. I did try running in safe mode and there was no difference. One thing I did NOT try is what you suggested; hardware acceleration. Mine was on by default; I turned it off, and the cpu dropped down to between 2-4 (was 40-60). The page doesn't seem to load any slower, either. Thanks for your help.