AC Origins is damaging my CPU.
AC Origins is damaging my CPU.
The cracked edition includes active DRM features, but they have been circumvented. Denuvo's VMProtect and Uplay protections remain operational.
I mentioned this in several discussions similar to yours. The game puts a lot of strain on the CPU due to their weak anti-cheat approach, which is already demanding. I’m using an i7 7700 and even with constant 100% usage, my GPU stays around 60%. Changing settings doesn’t help much, and resolution scaling isn’t the solution. The only real fix would be adding more CPU cores, like the i7 8700. I haven’t had problems in BF1 either, but I quit because of this issue—my CPU kept overheating.
The license allows you to save and use the software legally. You can create backups if the paid version fails, as long as you own the product. Using a pirated copy isn’t illegal if you have the rights, and there’s no legal barrier preventing you from running the game with an alternative version. The issue with SSE 4.2 comes from Denuvo’s DRM, which can restrict performance and may even lock your CPU usage. It seems to be designed to force hardware upgrades, possibly for mining purposes, but this isn’t required by the game itself.
Not the best approach... However, restricting the game's frame rate might provide some improvement. Consider treating AC as a 30FPS title, consistently designed for consoles and now running on PC. Aim for a consistent FPS between 30 and 40 to reduce lag, lower CPU load, and hopefully eliminate stuttering. I resolved my BF1 stuttering by adjusting Pre-RenderedFrames settings in the game or control panels based on my GPU performance after some back-and-forth testing. Increased GPU utilization leads to fewer interruptions, while maintaining a higher CPU demand but better efficiency.
You're in for a treat, I have a solution for both titles. The first two might already be fixed, but I've added them here just in case they haven't been tried yet—they perform exceptionally well. Open the Start button at the bottom-left corner of your computer, navigate to Settings, then select Power & Sleep. Next, choose Additional Power Settings, and pick High Performance. If available, set it accordingly. Finish by closing all panels. On your desktop, right-click and select NVidia Control Panel, then go to Manage 3D Settings. Under Global Settings, find Power Management Mode, click it, and select Prefer Maximum Performance. Wait a few seconds, then save everything. The next tip is a shortcut that could really help. It might look tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's smooth. Search for "Process Hacker," download and install it. This reliable tool is worth the effort—it's compact and highly effective. Before launching, perform these steps: right-click in the Start menu (bottom center), choose Task Manager, then go to the Performance tab. At the bottom, click Open Resource Monitor. Close Task Manager before switching to the new monitor. On the Resource Monitor, look at the Memory section. You'll notice a bar showing Standby memory usage. Process Hacker will release that standby space, boosting performance during gameplay. Don't worry—it won't damage your system. This memory will refresh after handling tasks or playing games. Finally, in Assassins Creed Origins, set your frame rate cap to 31 or 46, enable V-sync OFF, and adjust other settings like post-processing and lighting quality to LOW for smoother performance. Also, turn off Chromatic Aberration, Film Grain, Lens Distortion, Sniper Scope DOF, and Ambient Occlusion. Enable Motion Blur at 0% and keep Ultra settings on. These changes will significantly reduce CPU strain without noticeable impact during competition. Let me know how it works out. Also, remember to cap frame rates in Assassins Creed Origins for optimal performance.
Memory problems usually mimic CPU issues. If your settings look strange compared to your XMP profile, consider adjusting them. You might also try increasing the voltage slightly for both CPU and memory (around 100 mV for CPU, 200 mV for memory) and boost SA by 50-100 mV if you're overclocking. If things improve, you've found the fix. Wrong memory timings have previously led to severe performance drops, making it tough to get the right settings.
CPU issues have been noted in AC:Origins because of the anti-piracy program (Denuvo) running quietly during play. It greatly slows down performance. Your system should generally handle BF1 without major problems. What is your monitor’s resolution and refresh rate? If you’re using a 1080p display at 60Hz, and you can maintain over 60fps—especially with a 6700k and GTX 1070—keeping the frame rate steady at 60fps or enabling Vsync can ease the strain on your CPU and GPU. Rendering extra frames you can’t see offers little advantage. Regarding other components, check your RAM size and speed, whether it’s running at the module’s rated frequency in BIOS (including XMP support), and if it’s using dual-channel mode. The cooling solution matters too; an airflow issue or poorly designed case front panels can hinder performance. If you’re limited to 31fps, that’s already a constraint. Consider your power supply and connections as well. Adjusting voltage slightly—perhaps lowering it—might help stabilize temperatures around 4.5GHz. Also inspect your case for adequate airflow and any obstructions that might block intake.
I share your view completely. However, in Assassins Creed Origins, the 100% CPU Killer appears only on that extremely low list of titles where maintaining 31-46 frames per second is essential regardless of your processor or graphics setup. I've played it for about six months now and each session feels unworthy except for testing performance. Even at 90 FPS, I rarely engage beyond quick tests. I haven't killed anyone in the game. Maybe I'm not really into action games. It's a shame I'm aware of this. P.S. The minimum 31 fps during play is better than the 26-30 fps you usually see on consoles, especially during cutscenes where it drops to 19-30 fps. That’s quite frustrating.