Why is my CPU usage at 90% while just watching videos on Linux?

May 18, 2025 3 answers
Asked by GamerDude49
I just set up Linux on my i3 6th gen laptop with Intel HD 510 graphics, and while my RAM usage looks good at 2.1 GB, I don't understand why my CPU usage is hitting 90% when I'm just watching videos. I'm running Kubuntu, and the top processes frequently hovering above 20% are: irq/121-aerdrv, systemd-journald, and rsyslogd. Can anyone explain what's happening?

Answers

NerdyNina88
If you think it's too problematic, it might be time to consider a different distro. There are lots of great options depending on what you're looking for! And be sure to keep an eye on the migration process to make it smoother. You can find helpful tips in the wiki.
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TechieTom22
You might want to check your system logs to see if there are any errors that are causing a bottleneck. If they're overflowing with errors, that could definitely impact performance! Running `dmesg` or `journalctl -k` might shed some light on whatโ€™s wrong.
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SammyShark77
The aerdrv youโ€™re seeing is linked to advanced error reporting in PCI Express hardware, which might indicate a fault somewhere in your system. The high usage of systemd-journald and rsyslogd means theyโ€™re trying to log tons of messagesโ€”possibly because of hardware errors. Checking those error messages can help you find the root issue.
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