Current CPU activity level?
Current CPU activity level?
I've consistently monitored my CPU activity, but when idle it consistently shows 0% and occasionally 1%. Recently, after a night of inactivity, it dropped to around 10% CPU. After restoring my system to a previous stable state and running anti-malware scans, the issues have cleared up. What's happening and what caused this change?
Even a windows update service can be doing this, so don't worry too much. However: What are your specs? Use the task manager to see what processes are being run (take a screenshot if you want to). Use the run application (press Windows Key + R simultaneously) and type 'msconfig'. Enter the services tab, then check the box that says 'hide all windows services'; this will show you a list of all the non-windows related services being run in the background when you boot. Take a screenshot of that as well.
I asked for the specs to see if the motherboard was using any sort of controller that could impact CPU load (for example Killer NICs). But the board in the notebook shouldn't be of any concern. The application that is generating this load is 'system interrupts'. System interrupts is an state in which the CPU is waiting for some sort of input, be it from a device, or even another application. Something as silly as a plugged USB drive that is doing nothing can be constantly alarming the system that input needs to happen. These interrupts are something extremely common, and happen all the time in a computer. Even by touching the trackpad, pressing keys or even moving the mouse causes them. The more processes and services you are running simultaneously can potentially increase the amount of times the system expects you (or other software) to do something, causing these extra efforts to check if there is anything else to do. Usually the OS does the handling of how much important is a I/O interrupt, so you should be fine during high loads (apps running in the background shouldn't let this load happen if there is something with higher priority). Basically, don't worry much. To reduce the amount of times this is happening, and to have a more agile and quicker to boot system, I suggest you start removing stuff from the startup. First, take a look at the 'startup' tab in the task manager, start disabling stuff that pops up every time you turn on the PC. Leave the antivirus if any (I couldn't see it on the list, so you are probably running the integrated windows defender, which is fine). You have services coming out on boot massively, so start unchecking some boxes there! Don't get too worried about what you should/shouldn't touch, as most of the stuff on the list is not critical, and it's own processes are most likely to launch the service when executed. Pretty much allow all the Intel and Nvidia stuff to do their thing (don't mind them), leave the steam service on as it gets pretty mad at you when you uncheck it (no kidding). Also allow services from specific hardware you are using, as well as the software you actually want running all the time (like displayfusion). Everything else (including Google's stuff) seems like it can go away. If you found some program having a function that is not working, check that box back. As I said before, these are not critical stuff, so don't get concerned about them.
Consider checking the task scheduler. It might help clarify if scheduled tasks fall under that category.
I realized the issue stems from one of my external monitors. Both are identical except for the connection type—one uses VGA and the other HDMI from laptop to DVI on the mount. When I disconnect the second display, the problem vanishes. This suggests the HDMI→DVI cable might be the culprit.
It's impressive how quickly you identified the source of the interrupts! Pinpointing the exact cause is quite challenging. Let's look at the monitor itself. What brand is it? Are there any additional ports like USB or audio besides the standard DVI connection? Keep in mind that HDMI also handles audio, so you might want to: - Navigate to the sound settings (right-click the speaker icon in the bottom tray), then turn off HDMI audio. - Check Device Manager for any sound or display categories linked to the monitor. - Switch off any HDMI audio option if it's active, then restart the system and see if the issue persists.
HDMI audio is currently turned off. It's interesting that CPU stress disappears when I hibernate and then wake up, but it returns when I restart or shut down. Using a low-quality HDMI to DVI cable might be the issue. Other thoughts?
I don't believe the cable is the problem. It seems there might be some software manipulation occurring. Would you try instructing the display driver to mirror all screens (perhaps using a feature like mirror mode)? This could help confirm whether the issue lies with the driver or the display software, or even NVIDIA's control panel. Attempt to boot in mirror/screen-replicating mode by default to check if the extended desktop functionality is being handled correctly.