High CPU usage while gaming makes your computer slow and laggy. Gaming uses lots of computer power, but too much CPU usage above 80% means your system has problems that need fixing right away.
CPU usage goes up during gaming because of background programs, old drivers, bad game settings, and not enough computer power. Big games like Cyberpunk 2077, Call of Duty, and Assassin’s Creed need lots of processing power, so fixing CPU problems is important for smooth gaming.
Lowering CPU usage makes games run 15-30% better and stops your computer from crashing during long gaming sessions. Players can use 12 easy ways to make their computer run better without buying new parts.
Understanding CPU Usage in Gaming
CPU usage shows how much of your computer’s brain is being used by programs and games running on your system. Gaming programs need lots of computer power to run physics, AI, and game actions.
Normal CPU Usage Levels
Good CPU usage during gaming should be between 50-70% for most new games. Usage above 80% means your computer is working too hard and needs help. How much CPU gets used depends on the game type, your computer specs, and other programs running.
Different game types use different amounts of CPU:
- Strategy games: 60-80% usage for smart computer players
- Shooter games: 40-60% usage for fast graphics
- Open world games: 70-90% usage for big game worlds
Signs of High CPU Usage
System lag and choppy gameplay means your CPU is working too hard during gaming. Common problems include low frame rates, crackling sound, slow controls, and frozen screens.
Warning signs include:
- Frame rates below 30 FPS all the time
- Computer temperature above 80°C
- Fans getting very loud
- Slow switching between programs
Close Background Programs
Closing extra programs reduces CPU usage by 20-40% while gaming. Many programs start automatically when you turn on your computer and use CPU power without you knowing.
Finding Programs That Use Too Much CPU
Task Manager shows which programs use the most CPU power on Windows computers. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager and sort programs by how much CPU they use.
Programs that use lots of CPU include:
- Web browsers with many tabs open
- Video editing programs like Adobe Premiere
- Streaming programs like OBS Studio
- Antivirus scans running all the time
Using Task Manager the Right Way
End programs you don’t need through Task Manager to free up computer power right away. Right-click on programs using too much CPU and click “End Task” for programs you don’t need.
Steps to fix CPU usage:
- Open Task Manager with Ctrl+Shift+Esc
- Click the “Processes” tab
- Click the CPU column to sort by usage
- End programs you don’t need that use lots of CPU
Update Graphics Drivers
Old graphics drivers make CPU usage go up by 25-35% because your main processor has to do graphics work. Getting new drivers helps your graphics card work better and use less CPU power.
AMD Driver Updates
AMD Radeon Software gives you new drivers automatically for better gaming. Download new drivers from AMD’s website or use the update button in Radeon Software.
New AMD drivers give you:
- Better support for new games
- Faster performance for popular games
- Less CPU work during graphics
- Better power use for gaming laptops
NVIDIA Driver Updates
NVIDIA GeForce Experience downloads and installs new drivers automatically for NVIDIA graphics cards. Turn on automatic updates to keep your graphics card running well.
NVIDIA driver improvements include:
- Special game fixes through Game Ready Drivers
- Less CPU usage through better graphics card use
- More stable gaming
- Support for new gaming features like DLSS
Adjust Game Settings
Lowering graphics settings reduces CPU usage by 15-25% while keeping games fun to play. Many visual effects need lots of CPU power and can be turned down without making games look bad.
Graphics Quality Options
Medium graphics settings give the best balance between how games look and CPU performance for most computers. Ultra settings often look only slightly better but use much more CPU power.
Good graphics changes include:
- Shadows: Medium instead of Ultra saves 10-15% CPU
- Anti-aliasing: Use FXAA instead of MSAA for speed
- Draw distance: Set to 75% of highest setting
- Texture quality: High instead of Ultra for balance
Screen Resolution
Lowering resolution from 4K to 1440p cuts CPU usage by 20-30% while keeping games looking sharp. Lower resolutions need less computer power to make frames and effects.
Resolution comparison:
- 4K (3840×2160): Highest CPU use, best looks
- 1440p (2560×1440): Good balance of speed and looks
- 1080p (1920×1080): Lower CPU use, good looks
- 900p (1600×900): Very low CPU use, okay looks
Turn Off Windows Game Mode
Windows Game Mode can make CPU usage go up by 10-15% on some computers even though it’s meant to help gaming. This feature changes how your computer uses power, sometimes making problems with game performance.
Turning Off Game Mode
Turn off Game Mode through Windows Settings to stop background programs from interfering. Go to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode and turn the feature off.
Steps to turn off Game Mode:
- Press Windows key + I to open Settings
- Click “Gaming” from the menu
- Click “Game Mode” on the left side
- Turn the “Game Mode” switch to Off
Better Performance Options
Windows High Performance mode works better for CPU use than Game Mode for many gaming computers. Find it in Control Panel > Power Options > High Performance for best CPU speed.
High Performance mode helps with:
- Steady CPU speeds without slowing down
- Less interference from background services
- Better power management for gaming
- Better heat control during long gaming
Fix Power Settings
High Performance power plan stops CPU usage from jumping around by keeping CPU speeds steady during gaming. Power-saving features can slow down performance by trying to save too much energy.
Finding Power Options
Control Panel has complete power management settings for CPU fixes. Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options for detailed settings.
Power plan comparison:
- Balanced: CPU speeds change, medium efficiency
- Power Saver: Slower performance, saves battery
- High Performance: Fastest CPU speeds, best for gaming
- Ultimate Performance: No limits on CPU performance
Custom Power Plans
Making custom power plans lets you control CPU exactly for your gaming needs. Change CPU settings, cooling rules, and performance levels for the best balance.
Custom power plan settings include:
- Lowest CPU state: 50% for quick response
- Highest CPU state: 100% for full power
- System cooling: Active for better heat control
- Hard drive timeout: Never for constant access
Clean Temporary Files
Removing temporary files cuts CPU usage by 5-10% by making your system work more efficiently. Old temporary files create extra work during gaming.
Disk Cleanup Tool
Windows Disk Cleanup removes files you don’t need that take up space and CPU power. Find it in Start Menu > Windows Administrative Tools > Disk Cleanup.
Files to remove include:
- Temporary internet files from web browsing
- System cache files from Windows
- Recycle Bin files taking up space
- Windows Update leftover files
Other Cleaning Tools
CCleaner and similar programs clean your system better than Windows built-in tools. These programs remove registry entries, browser data, and program caches.
Popular cleaning programs include:
- CCleaner: Free version cleans basic system files
- BleachBit: Free complete cleaning tool
- Glary Utilities: All-in-one system fix program
- Wise Disk Cleaner: Simple temporary file remover
Manage Startup Programs
Having fewer startup programs cuts CPU usage by 15-25% by stopping programs from starting automatically. Many programs add themselves to startup without asking, using valuable computer power.
System Setup Tool
MSConfig lets you control startup programs easily through a simple interface. Press Windows key + R, type “msconfig”, and go to the Startup tab to control programs.
Startup management steps:
- Open Run dialog with Windows key + R
- Type “msconfig” and press Enter
- Click “Startup” tab for program list
- Uncheck programs you don’t need
Task Manager Startup Control
Task Manager Startup tab shows how much programs slow down your computer to help you find programs that use too much power. Programs marked as “High” impact slow down your computer a lot.
Startup impact levels:
- High: Programs that slow down startup a lot
- Medium: Some impact on system startup
- Low: Very little effect on startup speed
- Not measured: New or rarely used programs
Use Game Helper Software
Special game helper software cuts CPU usage by 20-30% by automatically fixing system settings and managing computer resources. These programs watch your system and make real-time improvements.
Razer Cortex
Razer Cortex gives automatic game improvements and system resource management for better performance. The software temporarily stops programs you don’t need during gaming.
Razer Cortex features include:
- Game Booster for automatic improvements
- System cleaner for temporary file removal
- FPS monitoring and performance tracking
- Automatic driver update alerts
MSI Afterburner
MSI Afterburner gives complete hardware monitoring and performance improvements for gaming systems. The software shows real-time CPU usage and system performance numbers.
Afterburner features include:
- Real-time hardware monitoring display
- Custom fan settings for cooling
- Performance overlay during gaming
- Hardware stress testing tools
Check for Viruses
Virus infections make CPU usage go up by 30-50% through hidden programs and system resource use. Regular security scans find and remove bad software hurting gaming performance.
Windows Defender Scans
Windows Defender gives built-in virus protection with very little system impact during gaming. Schedule regular full system scans during times when you’re not gaming.
Scan types available:
- Quick scan: Checks common virus locations
- Full scan: Complete system check
- Custom scan: User-picked folders and drives
- Offline scan: Boot-time virus removal
Other Antivirus Options
Malwarebytes and similar tools find advanced threats that regular antivirus software might miss. Use these programs for extra scanning alongside your main antivirus protection.
Good security software includes:
- Malwarebytes: Special virus detection and removal
- Spybot Search & Destroy: Spyware and adware removal
- AdwCleaner: Browser hijacker and adware cleanup
- ESET Online Scanner: Free complete system scan
Watch System Temperature
High CPU temperatures above 80°C make usage go up through heat protection that slows down clock speeds. Good temperature monitoring prevents performance problems and hardware damage.
Temperature Watching Tools
HWMonitor shows real-time temperature readings for all system parts, including CPU cores, GPU, and motherboard sensors. Download from CPUID’s official website for correct monitoring.
Temperature watching software includes:
- Core Temp: Simple CPU temperature display
- Open Hardware Monitor: Free complete monitoring
- SpeedFan: Temperature monitoring with fan control
- AIDA64: Professional system information and monitoring
Cooling Solutions
Good cooling cuts CPU usage by preventing heat slowdown that happens when processors get too hot. Good airflow and heat removal keep performance high.
Cooling improvement methods:
- Clean dust from CPU cooler and case fans
- Replace thermal paste every 2-3 years
- Upgrade to better CPU cooler for demanding games
- Improve case airflow with more fans
Turn On Game-Specific Improvements
Game-specific settings cut CPU usage by 10-20% through custom performance changes. Modern games include built-in improvement tools and suggested settings for different computer types.
In-Game Performance Settings
Most games provide automatic detection of best settings based on your computer specs. Use these suggestions as starting points for manual fine-tuning based on what you need.
Common improvement features include:
- Automatic graphics detection for hardware
- Performance vs. quality preset options
- Advanced settings for experienced users
- Benchmark tools for performance testing
Graphics Card Software
NVIDIA GeForce Experience and AMD Radeon Software give game-specific improvement suggestions. These programs look at your system hardware and suggest best settings for individual games.
Software improvement benefits:
- Automatic game detection and improvement
- Regular updates for new game releases
- Performance monitoring during gameplay
- Easy setting restoration if needed
Conclusion
Cutting CPU usage while gaming makes performance better by 15-30% through smart fixes of system resources and game settings. These 8 proven ways fix the most common causes of too much CPU use without needing to buy new hardware.
Closing background programs gives the fastest improvement by freeing up 20-40% CPU resources for gaming programs. Updating graphics drivers, changing game settings, and managing startup programs create combined performance benefits that make overall gaming experience better.
Regular system maintenance prevents CPU usage from getting worse over time through temporary file cleanup, virus scanning, and temperature watching. Using these improvement techniques keeps gaming performance steady and prevents hardware stress from too much CPU use.
Watch CPU usage regularly using built-in Windows tools or other software to find performance problems before they hurt gaming sessions. Active improvement ensures smooth gameplay and makes your system last longer through less heat stress and part wear.
