i5-4690k @ 3.5ghz -- CPU Usage reaches 100% intermittently in game (CSGO, PUBG)

[toddsees]

Hello everyone --

As the title suggests, I have recently discovered that my CPU usage is spiking up to 90-100% while in game. This generally happens only while I am moving and shooting in CS:GO -- not whilst just standing in game. The screenshots attached in the imgur link at the bottom are from my own LAN server, in a training aim map, with about 10-15 bots around me. In game, as exemplified in the attached screenshots, I am just staring at a wall and spraying my weapon.

Specs:

• Windows 7
• Intel i5-4690K (Devil Canyon’s Quad-Core) @ 3.50GHz
• GeForce GTX 760
• ASRock Z97 Pro3
• CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB Ram
• Stock Cooling

Issue:

I’ve recently begun to notice my CPU usage goes to ~80-100% while playing CS:GO, PUBG. While playing CS:GO, I experience intermittent frame drops (dips below ~100FPS, at times) and the game feels somewhat laggy. I know PUBG is coded by 3 year old kids and professional streamers with 1080ti + i7 CPU’s dedicated streaming PC’s still can’t even keep stable 144FPS, so that is not as concerning (lol!).

Troubleshooting:

I overclocked through my ASRock EUFI to 4.0 GHz to see if that would help at all. My computer booted fine and I experienced no BSOD's or any other issues. I jumped into game and ran CS:GO on high graphic settings and native 1080p resolution, while overclocked to 4.0ghz, to see if my GPU would take more of the load - that did not happen.

My CPU usage and temperatures were still considerably high while I played while overclocked -- with graphics set to both low and ultra - so I reverted the overclock back to the base 3.5ghz.

Notes:

CPU fan, GPU fan, and 2 chassis case fans are all working.

Pictures (includes temps and other information whilst in-game):

https://imgur.com/a/EUnIK

Lastly, my friend believes that my problems might be resolved by simply upgrading my GPU. I am not opposed to this, but would love to get further insight from this community before I do so.

I think that about covers it. Please feel free to ask any questions that might better serve you to assist me with this issue.

Thanks,
- Todd

 

[mrfungi]

I vaguely remember temps on my first 4690k and testing it on stock cooler to be around that and more. I had it clocked to 4.5ghz initially, though. As far as your CPU goes, you could remove the heatsink and make sure to apply the right amount of thermal paste (I prefer a line through the middle) and make sure the heatsink is seated properly and tight. You'd have to refer to the size of your case, but an aftermarket air cooler would help your temps considerably and for a small price. For your GPU, do you know I'm not sure because I'm certain I have friends who have a similar card and they play fine.

What refresh rate is your monitor set at? Bear in mind if you're playing 100+ fps the monitor should be set around that. Stuttering can sometimes be linked to a low monitor refresh rate. If you're increasing your clocks and you keep it on the same voltage, that can cause throttling thus stuttering as the higher clocks require higher voltages.

It could also be as simple as having a lot of background programs running that clog up your CPU. Clear those out and see how it goes.

So many things it could be, you'll have to do some digging to find out what it is.

What PSU do you use?

 

[toddsees]

Hi Fungi,

My PSU is the EVGA SuperNOVA 650W.

My monitor is a 144hz monitor -- all applicable refresh rate settings match that.

Also, regarding background programs, these screenshots are with no programs open besides CS:GO, Steam, and HWMonitor. That is to say that CS:GO was the only thing impacting my CPU usage.

 

[mrfungi]

Have you reseated your heatsink?

 

[aquielisunari]

Hello everyone --

As the title suggests, I have recently discovered that my CPU usage is spiking up to 90-100% while in game. This generally happens only while I am moving and shooting in CS:GO -- not whilst just standing in game. The screenshots attached in the imgur link at the bottom are from my own LAN server, in a training aim map, with about 10-15 bots around me. In game, as exemplified in the attached screenshots, I am just staring at a wall and spraying my weapon.

Specs:

• Windows 7
• Intel i5-4690K (Devil Canyon’s Quad-Core) @ 3.50GHz
• GeForce GTX 760
• ASRock Z97 Pro3
• CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB Ram
• Stock Cooling

Issue:

I’ve recently begun to notice my CPU usage goes to ~80-100% while playing CS:GO, PUBG. While playing CS:GO, I experience intermittent frame drops (dips below ~100FPS, at times) and the game feels somewhat laggy. I know PUBG is coded by 3 year old kids and professional streamers with 1080ti + i7 CPU’s dedicated streaming PC’s still can’t even keep stable 144FPS, so that is not as concerning (lol!).

Troubleshooting:

I overclocked through my ASRock EUFI to 4.0 GHz to see if that would help at all. My computer booted fine and I experienced no BSOD's or any other issues. I jumped into game and ran CS:GO on high graphic settings and native 1080p resolution, while overclocked to 4.0ghz, to see if my GPU would take more of the load - that did not happen.

My CPU usage and temperatures were still considerably high while I played while overclocked -- with graphics set to both low and ultra - so I reverted the overclock back to the base 3.5ghz.

Notes:

CPU fan, GPU fan, and 2 chassis case fans are all working.

Pictures (includes temps and other information whilst in-game):

https://imgur.com/a/EUnIK

Lastly, my friend believes that my problems might be resolved by simply upgrading my GPU. I am not opposed to this, but would love to get further insight from this community before I do so.

I think that about covers it. Please feel free to ask any questions that might better serve you to assist me with this issue.

Thanks,
- Todd

First things first. Thanks for your question. I've gotten a few that needs a psychic or a dentist. Neither is needed because of your detailed question.

Is this issue with just CS:GO and PUBG?

I agree with your friend. I was thinking you need a better GFX card and then I saw your friend agreed with me. The issue is graphic cards prices have gone to insane levels due to cryptocurrency. Nothing less than a 1060 or 580 is my recommendation.

I have a 4690K with a 1080 Ti. It took a little over 9 months to save. That game me ample time to think about what the best upgrade is. New generation CPU? 1080? 1080 Ti? Nah, that's just too bleeping expensive and it's too much for my 1080p 32" TV. Okay, no it isn't. I am also buying(since bought) a HTC VIve. But my 4690K is kinda old. The questions continued. I asked and looked at archived questions about the 4690K here and elsewhere. I ended up learning more about my rig and did end up with an EVGA 1080 Ti FTW3 Hybrid. Coolest GFX card I have EVER had. Seriously, when gaming it hovers in the high 30's and low 40's. Sometimes during intense stretches it may hit 50. Usually sits between 23-25 when idle.

Anyway, I recommend a new GFX card. USED? They have them prices sky-high too. Just have to do some smart shopping. EASY to waste money these days.

 

[jr9]

- Background CPU usage not the issue. CPU clocks are OK.

- GPU is not the issue nor resolution as resolution increases are GPU bound and everything is set to low. Upgrading your GPU will not solve this issue.

- CPU cores sitting at that high usage is abnormal. That processor should be able to handle most games without maxing out.

- Temps are not the issue. Recommend reverting your overclock as your OC temps are too high. Especially if the OC didn't help.

Recommend uninstall and reinstalling CSGO or perhaps running a different game to see if CPU usage is lower. This could be an issue with the games. CSGO is CPU heavy and PUGB is very badly optimized. Try another game please and see if your CPU usage drops.

Recommend installing latest chipset drivers for the motherboard.