Excessive CPU usage - need suggestions!

[Teelow]

Recently my HOST provider removed my website from its production server and on to a temp server and gave me 7 days to fix it or have the account suspended.  Below are the stats they outline.  I have pretty much removed every single php block from the front page.  Only thing there is a few java boxes and an html box and of course my forums.  Do you have ANY other suggestions on what I can twink to reduce it further?  They want cpu, mem and Mysql processes to average 1% and my Top processes no larger then 20%.  I really don't want to have to remove TP and go back to the old style HTML look.  At this point I face removing TP or goto a dedicated server that runs $1200 a year which is not gonna happen.
-------------------------------
Average %CPU: 4.07
Average %MEM: 2.67
Mysql Processes: 3.4

Top Process %CPU 35.0 /usr/bin/php
Top Process %CPU 30.0 /usr/bin/php
Top Process %CPU 29.0 /usr/bin/php

[G6Cad]

I say change host 

Read back on this site.
www.b-one.net
It's a scandinavian host, but they host from all sides of the world, Very good, stable, very good support, friendly, Dont cost more than 450sek = 57$/year with the domain name included, for 1gb storage free transfer latest sql phpmyadmin and every thing you need.
I have two sites there. one for about 2 years and never had any troubble with them what so ever.
Maby worth a read back on their site. ?

[Blunt]

Do you have the persistent link to MySql checked in SMF Server Settings?  (admin panel)

It says that it's not recommended unless you're on a dedicated server - on a shared serveer it will make you unpopular with your host.  Sounds like you

I hope you get it sorted out.  Good luck

[cubby61]

I am having the exact same issue.  My CPU usage has increased the same way and my webhost (Lunarpages) is screaming about it.  I don't want to do without TP. I checked and I don't have the "Persistent link to MySql" checked in SMF Server Settings.

Is there anything else that can cause this.  Does TP really have THAT much overhead? 

[IchBin]

How big is your site? What do you have on it? Custom blocks with multiple queries can cause this. Along with having a busy site with the shoutbox going crazy etc. What ever info you can provide on your site would help. Thanks.

[cubby61]

Its a small site with not a lot of add-ons.  No SHoutbox.  Here is the link:

http://everythingsg.com/forum

The only queries would be the User and Forum Stats,  I do have a Contributors page that users hit when they first log in. 

Any help or suggestions are appreciated.

[Nokonium]

Check your ####_sessions table, that can grow like topsy due to spiders. We now regularly empty this table, it speeds up the forum and reduces the size of the d/b backup.

[IchBin]

I would ask if they can give specifically what is causing the CPU spike.

[cubby61]

I asked them that very questions and I was told:

Please note that, due to the way the PHP scripts are executed, we are unable to tell you exactly what processes are causing this.

[pvcblue]

I asked them that very questions and I was told:

Please note that, due to the way the PHP scripts are executed, we are unable to tell you exactly what processes are causing this.

What company do you use? I had this kind of problem once with another php goof up and my company was able to pinpoint it for me.