cpu showing 3% usage in task manager while processes only take up ~1%

[artiblade]

cpu has 3% usage in task manager all the time even if my system uses less. is my cpu dying?

 

[popatim]

Click 'Show processes from all users' in the Processes pane and see if you can spot your offender.

 

[CountMike]

In either case that's very low usage, nothing to worry about.