What Causes 100 Percent of CPU Usage?

With CPUs becoming more powerful and computer applications becoming smaller, the prospect of a CPU running at or near 100 percent usage is dwindling. In fact, if your CPU is running at 100 percent, odds are that there is something wrong with your machine. Here are some ways a processor can reach the dreaded 100 percent benchmark.

Trojans/Viruses

Trojan horses, a type of computer virus, can be taxing on a computer's CPU.

Infinite Looping

Infinite looping occurs when a computer program crashes but is unable to shutdown. In an attempt to turn itself off, the program will try to force shutdown over and over until your CPU is taxed at 100 percent and your machine resets.

Intensive Programs

Large programs require lots of CPU and RAM to operate properly. Many newer video games can easily push an older CPU to 100 percent.

Multiple Programs

Even if a computer has the newest processor and 16GB RAM, if the machine is running enough programs (music apps, Internet browser, picture editor, instant messaging service, antivirus software, etc.) the CPU will eventually top 100 percent.

Overheating

The hotter a processor, the more it labors to process all your information properly. This is the easiest overheating issue to remedy as all that usually needs to be done is to clean the processor's heat sink or fan.

Resources

• MS Terminal Service