CPU usage changes based on what a computer is doing, but most computers have a consistent idle CPU usage. As well as, when doing something that requires a lot of a computer’s resources like gaming. Today, I will explain if 80% CPU usage is normal.
80% CPU usage is normal. It’s common for CPU usage on mid-range and low end computers to be at 100% when running resource intensive programs like games, and video editing software. But, when idle CPU usage should be under 50% for all PCs.
I did a survey of experienced computer users and gamers to see what CPU percentage they thought was good. Using that data, and other info about how CPUs work, below I will explain if:
- 80% CPU usage is good
- How high CPU usage should be
- If 80% CPU usage is high
- Is high CPU usage when gaming bad
Let’s get into it!
Is 80% CPU Usage Good
80% CPU usage is good. Ideally, CPU usage should be as high as possible. When that’s the case it means your computer is utilizing all of the CPUs resources.
Below is a table that shows some average ranges of what your CPU usage should be based on if your PC is low end, mid range, or high end.
| CPU usage when idle | CPU usage when using resource intensive programs (gaming, streaming, and video editing) | |
| Low end PC | Up to 50% | 100% |
| Mid range PC | Up to 30% | 100% |
| High end PC | Up to 20% | 70% |
Low end is any computer that is the cheapest laptop you can buy. Typically, computers keep their performance for 5 years or so. Before, it makes sense to upgrade them.
Therefore, any computer you bought that is low end, mid range, or high, in the last 5 years will be relevant. If it’s older than 5 years, then drop it down one tier. For example, if you have a mid range PC that is older than 5 years, then use the info for a low end PC instead.
Running CPUs at 100% 24 hours a day is normal in some industries
Funnily enough, in some industries such as big data and companies that offer cloud storage and servers, it’s common for computers to be set up to run at 100% CPU usage 24 hours a day for years on end. It has been found this causes no issues at all.
CPUs have a lifespan that is based on how much it’s used. Which is based on how much is utilized. For example, a CPU running at 100% 24 hours a day, won’t last as long as a CPU running at 50% 24 hours a day.
But, even running a CPU at 100% 24 hours a day, your CPU will last until technology improves and it makes sense to get a faster CPU.
I compiled some data based on what experienced gamers, and computer users had to say in response to questions that were asked about what your CPU usage should be. Below is a table that shows the result.
| Is it OK to run a CPU at 100% for long periods of time? | Responses | Percentage of responses |
| Yes | 32 | 94.12% |
| No | 2 | 5.88% |
From the responses you can see the overwhelming majority of people said that running your CPU at 100% usage 24/7 is perfectly fine.
The one issue when maxing out your CPU is ensuring it doesn’t overheat. When a CPU is running at a very high percentage of utilization it gets hotter. All CPUs had adequate cooling.
But, it’s worth checking what temp your CPU is, when your CPU is maxing out. I explained exactly how to check what the temp of your CPU is, and what the safe operating temperature of a CPU is in this article about whether high CPU usage is bad.
How to fix high CPU usage
If your CPU usage is outside of the ranges shown in the table at the start of this article, then there are a few things causing it. It can occur only when gaming, or using a resource intensive app like video editing software. Or, it can have a high CPU usage at all times.
As a general rule, there are background apps and processes, or your computer has a virus or malware. Refer to the video below from EasyTechGeek that shows how to reduce CPU usage, as well as, RAM usage:
Is 80% CPU Usage High
80% CPU usage is high for a PC that is idle. But, it is not high for a computer that is gaming or using a resource intensive program like video editing software. Or, if a computer has A LOT of programs open at once.
When idle the CPU usage should not go over 50%. Whereas, doing something resource intensive like rendering a video or playing a game, it is common to see the CPU percentage at 100%. And in most cases it will stay at 100%.
Is High CPU Usage Bad While Gaming
High CPU usage is not bad while gaming. It’s normal when gaming for the CPU usage of a computer to stay at 100%. Even on mid-range computers. CPUs are designed to run at 100% utilization 24 hours a day for very long periods of time. So maxing out your CPU when gaming is no issue at all.
It also won’t affect in-game FPS, or load times. Interestingly, getting a faster CPU is typically not the best upgrade for a computer. Getting a better graphics card provides a very significant upgrade in performance. Or, getting a dedicated graphics card when your computer has an integrated graphics card.
Independent tests have shown that if you take a computer and upgrade the CPU but keep the graphics card (GPU) the same, there is little to no improvement in performance. Whereas, if you get a faster GPU, it provides a big improvement in FPS, and load times.
But, if you have a high end graphics card, and your CPU has lower specs, upgrading the CPU will provide a performance improvement. This is a complex topic, I explained it in more detail in this article about which is more important the GPU of the CPU cores.
Is high ram usage good