Hey folks! I've been dealing with a frustrating issue and could use some advice. Here are my specs for reference:
- Intel Core i5-10600k (slightly overclocked)
- 16GB of 3200MHz Corsair Vengeance RGB SL RAM
- RTX 2060 Super (from an Asus prebuilt with a blower style cooler)
- Deepcool Castle 360 ARGB V2 cooler
- MSI Z490 Gaming Edge WiFi motherboard
- Corsair RM650 modular 80+ Gold PSU
- Cooler Master MB511 ARGB case
- 1TB Crucial P2 M.2 NVMe SSD
- 1TB hard drive (not sure of the model or brand)
So here's the issue: when my PC is idle, my CPU usage is between 15-40%, RAM usage sits around 60%, and my GPU usage is only at 14%. However, when I launch any demanding tasks (like games), all three usage stats (CPU, RAM, and VRAM) shoot up to 100%. Even when I exit the game, these usages stay maxed out for about 15 minutes.
I've tried a bunch of fixes, like shutting down unnecessary applications, turning off RGB lighting, and even unplugging my second monitor, but nothing has helped. I don't think it's thermal throttling since I monitored my temperatures while playing Cyberpunk, and they stayed below 70°C.
I've kept my drivers and Windows up to date, plus I've tried various antivirus programs and system cleaners, but it seems like they're using up resources rather than helping. I'm worried my PC is failing, especially since it's only about three years old. I'm also hesitant to reinstall Windows because I don't know how to back up all my important files like games and photos.
Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
First off, that idle CPU usage does seem high for a system like yours. A good move is to check the Task Manager when your CPU usage spikes to see which processes are hogging your resources. Sometimes, even closed programs can act up, like Corsair iCUE, which has been known to drain performance. Just keep an eye on it!
Honestly, your setup should handle tasks pretty well. That said, your RAM might be on the lower end if you’re multitasking heavily. You should consider uninstalling those extra antivirus programs; they can really slow you down. If all else fails, a clean install might be the way to go, but I get the hesitation. Just be sure to back up your important stuff if you do it!
Thanks for the advice! I’ve been hesitant to wipe everything, but I guess if it comes down to it, I might have to. I appreciate the suggestion to focus on the RAM and antivirus programs!
Yeah, I've seen iCUE use up to 30% even when you're not running anything! It's definitely worth checking out other running applications and their resource usage.