Processor reaches maximum capacity and remains at that level until the system restarts.
Processor reaches maximum capacity and remains at that level until the system restarts.
Hello! I'm experiencing an issue after a restart. About 10 to 60 minutes later, my CPU reaches maximum usage and remains there. The whole system becomes slow and stutters. The only solution is to reboot the PC. I have a 7600K with Noctua NH-U12S (thermal paste re-applied). The processor runs at 4.7GHz without overheating or throttling. Temperatures stay between 55-70°C (130-160°F) even under full load. I attempted a full Windows reinstall, moved from version 10 to 11, but the problem continued. Since the behavior changes unpredictably and isn't linked to my activities, I'm worried about potential malware or other issues. I don’t use any antivirus software, though I tried Kaspersky’s trial. Windows Defender is enabled by default. Could you suggest some antivirus options or manual checks to help identify the cause? Thanks!
More details on your PC specs: Intel 7600K, Asus Prime z270-K, G.SKILL Ripjaws V (16GB x8GB DDR4, overclocked), MSI Gaming GRX 1080, Samsung 970 EVO Plus 2TB, WD Blue 1TB, SATA.
Hey, it seems a bit unsettling. I hope this helps. Thanks a lot!
Open Task Manager during issues and check which processes are using the most CPU. Sort by CPU usage; the one at 100% is likely the problem.
I'll handle it if the issue persists. That's a solid suggestion. I've created a new one. However, I have a few unofficial software installers on my external drive. I've been using them for years without any problems. I should consider what might have changed. There are some installations I haven't used before. Indeed, I need to review them. I was considering switching to Linux and emulating Windows for gaming. But setting up GPU passthrough is quite complex, particularly with NVIDIA cards. Plus, I'm uncertain if my 4-core, six-year-old CPU can manage Windows emulation effectively.
Edited October 20, 2023 by Bakedpepper
Maybe these are the reasons behind the issue. I believe this might not be necessary and, as you mentioned, performance could suffer. I’d consider a clean reinstall or install items gradually, checking everything over a day or two to confirm everything functions correctly. You should likely figure out what’s causing the trouble in no more than a couple of days.
This seems to be the answer you were expecting. Everything appears to be functioning properly so far. Malwarebytes appears to have been effective. Appreciate the help!
Could be more than just a simple virus hiding on the drive. Definitely run a scan with MalwareByte—it’s possible it slipped in. Also, a fresh installation suggests it might have spread across all storage locations.