The load on the CPU was after the calls were set up, this indicated that’s not a disk access issue.

I’m running FC 8, i686, which I understand is 32 bit. Changing to FC 8 or 9 x86_64 is possible on the Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor, and if it’s worth it; I’ll do it. Does anyone have an idea of what the performance boost will be? /Jon