I've noticed that while downloading games, my SSD usage randomly jumps to 100%. However, the download speed remains stable. This has made me wonder if there might be a virus affecting my computer. It seems odd to me that a virus would only cause the SSD to peak in usage during downloads since when I'm just browsing the web, the usage stays around 0-2%. Any thoughts on what's causing this?
3 Answers
If you’re downloading from platforms like Steam, it’s normal for your SSD to spike. They often download and extract compressed files during installation, which can cause high read/write speeds. Also, given that your SSD is from 2006, it might just be a slower model, so high disk usage during these tasks is pretty typical. Don't worry too much about the virus unless you're experiencing other symptoms.
Have you checked what model SSD you’re using? If it’s an old Intel SSD, that might explain some of the higher usage. Also, Windows Defender could be running scans in the background, which might spike your SSD usage while you download. Just keep an eye on it!
It might also just be the paging file kicking in. This isn't too uncommon with older SSDs. If your RAM is getting filled during downloads, your operating system might be using the SSD more. It's nothing to panic about, just how it manages resources sometimes.
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