A single processor being fully utilized while loading certain video games.
A single processor being fully utilized while loading certain video games.
My system consists of a Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro motherboard with the latest BIOS, an MSI GTX 970 (non-overclocked – I’m awaiting 3000 series Nvidia cards), 32GB of Corsair LPX RAM at 3000MHz, an 850W Corsair Gold Certified PSU, a 500GB Samsung 850 Evo for the operating system, a 1TB Samsung 860 Evo for game storage, and Windows 1909 fully updated. I use Bitdefender security software and an Asus 144Hz monitor. I primarily utilize MSI Afterburner solely for fan curve adjustments.
Recently, I’ve experienced a recurring problem where my CPU briefly reaches 100% usage during game loading, typically lasting just a few seconds, and then returns to normal. This issue has persisted for nearly a year across both this system and an older setup with a 4790 and GTX 1070 (particularly noticeable in Overwatch). The problem seems to be isolated to game startup, although I sometimes observe minor temperature spikes (around 57-58°C) during match completion, though this is less frequent. Initially, restarting MSI Afterburner resolved the issue, but it’s become unreliable with recent game updates.
I recently began playing Halo Reach and noticed elevated temperatures (low 60s°C) during campaign loading, a deviation from my usual mid-50s°C range. The Steam version of the MultiVerse Collection also exhibits slight CPU usage spikes (around 30%) during loading screens, but campaign loads consistently trigger the 100% CPU spike for approximately 2-5 seconds. I’ve eliminated potential causes by closing all background applications (aside from Steam, the game, and Bitdefender) and scanning for malware with various tools – all tests came back clean. I’ve also experimented with graphics settings, VSync (on and off), and frame rate locking (60fps). Despite these adjustments, the problem persists. Interestingly, other games like Diablo II: Resurrected and Diablo III do not display this behavior during loading.
I’m seeking any information regarding whether this issue is known with specific games or if anyone can offer insight into the cause of these CPU spikes. Thank you. 😀
Does a 100% central processing unit load occur during game loading?
If it were 50%, the loading process would take twice as long.
If you're performing other tasks that require available system resources, decreasing the number of processor threads used by your game can lower its maximum CPU consumption.
https://www.thewindowsclub.com/processor...ty-windows
I’m inquiring about this because it occurs sporadically in only a limited number of games. I'm not certain whether this represents a recognized problem within those specific titles and/or a broader issue requiring resolution. Furthermore, my tendency to worry about temperatures doesn’t assist me in assessing the situation. It’s peculiar that restarting MSI Afterburner resolves the problem with Overwatch, yet it fails to do so with Halo. Moreover, the fix isn't consistent with Overwatch; it’s often unreliable. However, I want to know: is this a genuine problem, or am I simply experiencing something that’s completely normal? Please forgive me if these questions seem basic.