Processor 100% usage when gaming

[ravenjedmanicdao]

I'm new to the Tom's forums, I apologize.

I have a really old PC that is from 2010 and still works completely fine. I upgraded my GPU to a GT 730. If you are gonna tell me why I didn't buy a GTX 750 Ti, blame my PSU. No PCIE power connectors, and the low profile ones that don't need it still need more than 300W.

Specs:
PSU: 300W
CPU: Pentium E5700 (Dual Core, 3GHz, 800mhz FSB, LGA 775)
RAM: 4GB (DDR3, 1066mhz, Dual channel)
Motherboard: One from an Acer Aspire X1900,
HDD: 1x Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM 1TB
1x Seagate Momentus 5400RPM 1TB
OS: Windows 10 (64-Bit)

When playing modern games such as Fallout 4, Overwatch, BO3, I notice that my CPU's usage is at 100%. Other people have reported this as well, with their better CPUs, but is it normal? Will it make a difference in performance?

I just want to really maximize the lifespan of my PC, no signs of failure so far, the components have shown NO signs of failure so far after these years, and I hope to keep it alive for a few more years.

 

[herrwizo]

It is being used 100% because all modern games need much more power than your CPU can provide. They need quad cores, and fast quad cores at that. So this dual-core has to work at max load all the time, and is still not able to provide enough. This also means that you are bottlenecked, and your GPU cannot even show what it is capable of, being limited by the slow CPU.

That is nothing to worry, though. If you have good CPU temperatures under load, lifespan won't be affected.

 

[burgessanthony]

The whole system is a long way from being able to handle new aaa games like those. Sorry

730 isn't a gaming card
The processor is very dated
Limited ram

Invest some of that game money into a new build to enjoy them properly!

 

[ravenjedmanicdao]

Even with the 100% CPU usage, modern games such as FO 4, Overwatch, GTA 5, it works with great FPS at the right settings. When it does get 100% usage, it reaches temps such as 60, I think its T Junction is about 71 celsius, but I've never reached temps that high. The GPU also reaches full load, it's not just the CPU, maybe they're just working at their maximum performance possible. I can go on medium settings on GTA 5 with very good FPS, but yeah it's most likely my very old components, but I intend to keep it running for a few more years as I have stated.

 

[NDDU Julius BSIT]

Even if I have a modern Intel Core i5-6200U on my ASUS notebook, gaming still pushes my CPU to 100% and over 60C temps. So I guess that's normal? Considering you have an outdated CPU and RIG

 

[burgessanthony]

If you are getting the fps you want fine. I find it hard to believe with an old dual core and a 730, but each to their own!