I've also the same problem. I've attached a screenshot of htop, maybe it helps.
** Attachment added: "Screenshot of htop" https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/empathy/+bug/959084/+attachment/3113704/+files/Bildschirmfoto%20vom%202012-04-28%2023%3A27%3A24.png -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Bugs, which is subscribed to Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/959084 Title: empathy-chat consistently uses 9-10 % CPU To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/empathy/+bug/959084/+subscriptions -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs