GPU load STUCK at 90% and will not lower.

[TuxNTopHat]

After playing a game or watching a YouTube video, my GPU load will get to a high percentage and NOT drop. As I type this, my GPU load is 90% and the temperature is 60-62c.
This started happening only days ago, and I can't remember a single thing that changed, aside from the installation of COD: Ghosts, where the problem started showing. (Terrible game in my opinion, though)

Updating my Catalyst driver from 13.12 to 14.4 as recommended by advanced systemcare's 'driver booster' application has not changed anything.

I haven't been able to find similar threads like this either, but do show me if you find them.

Thanks in advance.

 

[CrispyChips]

Check your Task Manager for shady processes running.

I had "msdn.exe",a bitcoin miner virus,running on my PC. After ~2 mins of GPU inactivity(not playing games) it would jack up to 100% usage,mining those coins.

Yours doesnt sound exactly the same but it could be the same cause..that or its a software bug.

What program are you using to monitor GPU usage?

 

[COLGeek]

Are you running any applications that use the GPU for processing (Folding@Home, SETI, bitcoin mining, etc)?

 

[TuxNTopHat]

Check your Task Manager for shady processes running.

I had "msdn.exe",a bitcoin miner virus,running on my PC. After ~2 mins of GPU inactivity(not playing games) it would jack up to 100% usage,mining those coins.

Yours doesnt sound exactly the same but it could be the same cause..that or its a software bug.

What program are you using to monitor GPU usage?

The applications I'm running aren't out of the ordinary. I don't mine coin or fold either.
Also I've checked each and every running process, all should be completely fine.

I'm using "GPU Temp".

 

[COLGeek]

What temperature is your GPU registering while this is going on?

Does this level of activity begin immediately after starting Windows?

 

[TuxNTopHat]

Strange.

After clicking clicking the "shut down" button and then immediately canceling the shut down, the fans get quieter, the GPU load goes down to 0%, and the temperature lowers. Apparently something is running that shouldn't.

 

[TuxNTopHat]

What temperature is your GPU registering while this is going on?

Does this level of activity begin immediately after starting Windows?

When I start windows, temps are at ~32-37C and the load is 0%.
Only after doing something like opening a larger application or watching a video online does it start this issue.

 

[COLGeek]

What make/model of motherboard are you using? Are your chipset drivers current?

Where did you get your copy of COD:Ghosts?

How hot does the GPU get when showing 90% activity?

 

[COLGeek]

Do you have Watch Dogz installed as well? If so, there was an infected torrent of it that was released that turned systems into mining bots for others.

 

[TuxNTopHat]

Do you have Watch Dogz installed as well? If so, there was an infected torrent of it that was released that turned systems into mining bots for others.

Asus Sabertooth Z77, and all drivers should be current.

Got COD from Steam, which I uninstalled after playing the first time.

60 - 63C at 90% load

Nope, don't have Watch Dogs.

 

[COLGeek]

Is Flash Player current and up to date?

Also, have you performed a full anti-virus and anti-malware scan of your rig (if so, with what apps) since all of this started?

 

[CrispyChips]

MalwareBytes Antimalware for a fast system scan,that program is awesome.

 

[TuxNTopHat]

Is Flash Player current and up to date?

Also, have you performed a full anti-virus and anti-malware scan of your rig (if so, with what apps) since all of this started?

No, I haven't. I'll do that and be back once I have.

 

[TuxNTopHat]

Scanned with Malwarebytes and Nod32 Antivirus 7, both said my PC was completely clean.

 

[COLGeek]

Scanned with Malwarebytes and Nod32 Antivirus 7, both said my PC was completely clean.

Good news then. What GPU are you using?

 

[CrispyChips]

Did some research as ive never heard of this "GPU Temp" Program and im not liking it. Very little documentation.

Have you thought of using a program that is a bit more in-depth with its readings,as well as what it lets you control, like MSI Afterburner?

 

[COLGeek]

Agreed. Remove the GPU Temp program. Another useful app for monitoring temps is hwmonitor or even Speccy.

http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/hwmonitor.html

https://www.piriform.com/speccy/download