CPU usage spikes to 100

[Bobby420alot]

Hi folks

First of all I want to tell you guys my specs:

Motherboard: Asus z790-P
CPU: i13700k
RAM: 2x 16GB Corsair ddr5 (xmp is active)
Graphics: RTX 3060 Gygabite 12gb Vram
Power supply: Corsair RM850 (850w)

I have at some games not with every game, the problem that when I startup the game, my CPU usage spikes to 100%
Per example it happens at Marvel Rivals, Duckside, CS2.

However while gaming CPU usage is around 25-30% all normal, also temps are always normal, around 65-72°C - even when the usage spikes to 100%

Like I mentioned I don't have that problem at every game, I can start Rust, GTA V, Fortnite, and so on without a problem, no spikes nothing..

I reinstalled so much already, updated the Bios checked drives reinstalled drives, reinstalled windows and so on, I literally don't know what to do anymore...

Is there maybe one good soul who can help me out on this one?

Thank you in advance

Bobby

[JedG_Intel]

Hello Bobby420alot,

I understand your concern regarding the CPU usage spiking to 100% when you start up a game. There are various reasons why a system may experience high CPU usage when opening or using an application. It's not uncommon to see high CPU utilization during activities such as playing certain games, running video-editing or streaming applications, performing antivirus scans, or managing multiple browser tabs simultaneously.

For further troubleshooting, you can try the steps below.

1. Reboot your PC

2. End or Restart Processes

3. Check the Power Options

4. Scan for Malware

For reference: How to Fix High CPU Usage

Besides the high CPU usage when you start up the game, are you also experiencing any stuttering, FPS drops, freezing, or similar issues?

I look forward to your response.

Best regards,

Jed G.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Bobby420alot]

It's not usal spikes I believe, I have no processes open besides the game or the game launcher. Sometimes when I start up the game (marvel rivals) the CPU spikes to 100% stays there till the game is fully loaded, and drops then back to 20-30% even when I'm gaming.

However sometimes it crashes while starting up, or even my PC freezes..

Like I said I did all comon solutions you can find in the internet. Even updated the bios, rebuild the whole PC again and so on.

Also temps are always good, they never spike, it's letarly only the CPU spiking, and only spiking at startup from certain games..

My guess is compromised/damaged hardware but I'm not too sure...

If you need any images or whatever let me know

[Steve000]

Your system is powerful, and since CPU usage only spikes at startup for specific games, it's likely due to how these games handle shader compilation, asset loading, or anti-cheat processes. Since temperatures remain normal and performance in-game is fine, this is usually not a hardware issue.

Possible Fixes:

1. Check Background Processes – Open Task Manager and check if any process (e.g., game launcher, anti-cheat) is causing high CPU usage.
   
   
2. Disable Full screen Optimizations – Right-click the game .exe → Properties → Compatibility → Check "Disable full screen optimizations."
   
   
3. Update/Reinstall GPU Drivers – Use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) to clean-install the latest NVIDIA drivers.
   
   
4. Check Windows Power Plan – Set to "High Performance" or "Balanced" in Power Options.
   
   
5. Turn Off XMP (For Testing) – Try disabling XMP to see if it makes a difference.
   
   
6. Limit CPU Usage for Game Launcher – In Task Manager, set launcher CPU affinity to use fewer cores.

If the issue persists, check for game-specific fixes or patches from developers.

[JedG_Intel]

Hi Bobby420alot,

I'm following up to check if you were able to perform the recommendations by @Steve000 and if you need further assistance. Please let me know at your earliest convenience so that we can determine the best course of action to resolve this matter.

Best regards,

Jed G.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[JedG_Intel]

Hello Bobby420alot,

I have not heard back from you so I will close this inquiry now. If you need further assistance, please submit a new question as this thread will no longer be monitored.

Best regards,

Jed G.

Intel Customer Support Technician