High CPU usage!

[calamityblack]

So I recently finished building my computer and my cpu usage kept on spiking up around 8% while running nothing other than being on the desktop. I installed some games and my computer was at 20%+ usage when playing a 2d game. When I tried a more intensive game the whole computer froze (not slowed down) and would not let me even open up task manager (the mouse will not even move). My friend has the same processor and motherboard and he gets 3% CPU usage when playing very intensive games.

CPU: Intel i7 3930k
Mother Board: Intel DX79SI
GPU: Gigabyte 660ti 2 GB
PSU: Corsair HX1050
Memory: 64 GB Corsair vengeance
HDD: Seagate 3TB 7200 RPM
CPU Cooler: Coolermaster Hyper 212 Evo
Case: Antec 1200 v3 (6 fans)

Could an uneven and small amount of thermal paste cause this? I had a problem putting it on.
I was thinking it might be getting too hot but I want to see what you guys think.

 

[payturr]

The smaller the paste, the better. Question - you're 100% sure you got that cooler on correctly?

 

[calamityblack]

I'm pretty sure. The fan was running and everything looked like it went in right.

 

[payturr]

Whats your temp. according to CPU-Z?

 

[calamityblack]

I will get back to you in a few minutes. I have to set up my monitor, I'm on my laptop.

 

[payturr]

I will get back to you in a few minutes. I have to set up my monitor, I'm on my laptop.

Sure!

 

[calamityblack]

Whats your temp. according to CPU-Z?

CPU - Z was not showing my temp for some reason so I used another program RealTemp (If that works well)
And it was at a minimum of 30 C and the maximum of 44C

 

[payturr]

CPU - Z was not showing my temp for some reason so I used another program RealTemp (If that works well)
And it was at a minimum of 30 C and the maximum of 44C

Very interesting - have you overclocked at all?

 

[calamityblack]

I haven't, the only things I have done after building the thing is downloading 2 steam games and a desktop picture.

 

[payturr]

I haven't, the only things I have done after building the thing is downloading 2 steam games and a desktop picture.

Very very odd, maybe you should try reapplying thermal paste & reseat the heat sink assembly. If no result, send the CPU back for it maybe defective. I would never recommend a 3930K for gaming to be honest - that CPU is for serious workstations and servers IMO, a 3570K would have been a smarter buy. Just my 2 cents.

 

[calamityblack]

Ahh ok. I got it 50% from my friend who works at intel so yeah xD Thanks for all of your help.

 

[payturr]

I mean, 50% off is a good deal, but still, it's not an ideal gaming CPU really - 6 cores and 12 threads have very little to no effect on most games. Advice given, I hope the best and that your problem resolves itself - goodluck, and happy computing!