F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop High CPU activity with minimal GPU utilization during gaming may cause system shutdowns.

High CPU activity with minimal GPU utilization during gaming may cause system shutdowns.

High CPU activity with minimal GPU utilization during gaming may cause system shutdowns.

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StefanBeginer
Junior Member
8
09-09-2022, 04:52 PM
#1
I recently enhanced my computer and have been observing periods where the frame rate drops significantly, affecting multiple games. After some research, I noticed that when my frame rate decreases, GPU usage also drops while CPU usage increases. I have captured screenshots of these occurrences in Hitman 3 and Diablo 4. So far, I haven’t identified a specific reason for these drops. For instance, the number of NPCs in Hitman doesn’t seem to influence the issue—whether there are 30 or none, the lag still happens. In extreme cases, I’ve experienced full system crashes in both games after prolonged periods of slow performance. It feels like a sudden power failure, similar to what I’ve read about power spikes affecting GeForce 30 series models. However, since the lag appears linked to high CPU usage and low GPU activity, I’m unsure what to believe. I’d appreciate some guidance on possible solutions to resolve this. Current specifications: CPU – Ryzen 5800X3D, GPU – RTX 3080 (EVGA FTW3), Motherboard – ROG Crosshair VII Hero Wi-Fi, RAM – 32GB 3200MHz DDR4 (two kits), PSU – EVGA Supernova 1000 T2. I’m not sure if upgrading from a Ryzen 2700X, an 2080 Super, and just one RAM kit will help. I updated my motherboard BIOS and reinstalled the video drivers during the upgrade. I’ve attached screenshots of GPU/CPU utilization from Hitman and Diablo, obtained using GeForce Experience. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
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StefanBeginer
09-09-2022, 04:52 PM #1

I recently enhanced my computer and have been observing periods where the frame rate drops significantly, affecting multiple games. After some research, I noticed that when my frame rate decreases, GPU usage also drops while CPU usage increases. I have captured screenshots of these occurrences in Hitman 3 and Diablo 4. So far, I haven’t identified a specific reason for these drops. For instance, the number of NPCs in Hitman doesn’t seem to influence the issue—whether there are 30 or none, the lag still happens. In extreme cases, I’ve experienced full system crashes in both games after prolonged periods of slow performance. It feels like a sudden power failure, similar to what I’ve read about power spikes affecting GeForce 30 series models. However, since the lag appears linked to high CPU usage and low GPU activity, I’m unsure what to believe. I’d appreciate some guidance on possible solutions to resolve this. Current specifications: CPU – Ryzen 5800X3D, GPU – RTX 3080 (EVGA FTW3), Motherboard – ROG Crosshair VII Hero Wi-Fi, RAM – 32GB 3200MHz DDR4 (two kits), PSU – EVGA Supernova 1000 T2. I’m not sure if upgrading from a Ryzen 2700X, an 2080 Super, and just one RAM kit will help. I updated my motherboard BIOS and reinstalled the video drivers during the upgrade. I’ve attached screenshots of GPU/CPU utilization from Hitman and Diablo, obtained using GeForce Experience. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

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DragonPickles
Member
58
09-10-2022, 08:50 PM
#2
What are your CPU temps?
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DragonPickles
09-10-2022, 08:50 PM #2

What are your CPU temps?

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soldierman45
Member
152
09-10-2022, 10:03 PM
#3
I don't have the temperatures directly, but the CPU handled an Aida64 stress test near 90°C. I'll look for a method to log CPU temps while playing and resume from there.
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soldierman45
09-10-2022, 10:03 PM #3

I don't have the temperatures directly, but the CPU handled an Aida64 stress test near 90°C. I'll look for a method to log CPU temps while playing and resume from there.

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Starve_KE
Junior Member
4
09-29-2022, 05:10 AM
#4
What cooling solution are you employing? If the CPU die reaches temperatures near 90°C, then the 3D V-Cache above the die is overheating... Keep an eye on CPU temps and speeds. GPU readings look normal, so case or chassis ventilation appears sufficient.
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Starve_KE
09-29-2022, 05:10 AM #4

What cooling solution are you employing? If the CPU die reaches temperatures near 90°C, then the 3D V-Cache above the die is overheating... Keep an eye on CPU temps and speeds. GPU readings look normal, so case or chassis ventilation appears sufficient.

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jamesydog
Member
193
09-30-2022, 03:56 AM
#5
Just verified the CPU temperatures again. That likely explains the problem. I didn’t expect such high readings in Hitman, especially since it’s supposed to be around 90°C. I was surprised when the temps stayed steady at 90°C even with low usage, reaching a peak of 100°C. I stopped playing once I noticed that. Right now I’m using a 3-year-old coolermaster 360 AIO cooler. I hope it’s just a faulty mount, but I’ll keep an eye out for a better one.
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jamesydog
09-30-2022, 03:56 AM #5

Just verified the CPU temperatures again. That likely explains the problem. I didn’t expect such high readings in Hitman, especially since it’s supposed to be around 90°C. I was surprised when the temps stayed steady at 90°C even with low usage, reaching a peak of 100°C. I stopped playing once I noticed that. Right now I’m using a 3-year-old coolermaster 360 AIO cooler. I hope it’s just a faulty mount, but I’ll keep an eye out for a better one.