Computer hitting 80% CPU and GPU just opening new windows after slotting in a new GeForce RTX 3060

Troubleshooting High CPU and GPU Usage after Upgrading to GeForce RTX 3060

Recently, I faced a frustrating dilemma following the unexpected failure of my EVGA BLACK GAMING GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER. With a limited budget and the need for a replacement, I opted for the GeForce RTX 3060 as a temporary solution. However, upon installing the new card, I encountered significant performance issues that made using my computer almost unbearable.

After the installation, I noticed that both my mouse and audio experienced severe stuttering, a problem I managed to fix by using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in safe mode to thoroughly cleanse my system of old drivers. I then reinstalled the latest drivers, hoping for a smoother experience. Unfortunately, this did not resolve all my issues.

Now, simply opening a new browser window or scrolling through websites—especially platforms like YouTube—causes my CPU and GPU usage to spike to around 80%. This spike lasts for about a minute, rendering my computer nearly unresponsive during that time. Waiting for the system to stabilize has become a necessary step, but it’s incredibly frustrating.

I am reaching out to the community for any insights or suggestions on how to tackle this issue. My current situation is untenable; I can’t even enjoy watching videos or gaming, which is why I upgraded in the first place. Any advice or troubleshooting steps would be immensely appreciated as I navigate this challenging situation.

Share this content:

One Comment

  1. Potential Causes and Recommended Troubleshooting Steps for High CPU and GPU Usage

    • Check for Background Processes: Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to identify if any processes are consuming excessive resources. Sometimes, driver updates or system scans can cause temporary spikes.
    • Update Your System BIOS and Chipset Drivers: Ensure your motherboard BIOS is up-to-date, as compatibility issues can sometimes cause resource conflicts with new GPUs.
    • Verify GPU Driver Settings: Open NVIDIA Control Panel and reset any custom settings to default. Also, ensure that the driver is fully compatible and properly installed.
    • Disable Hardware Acceleration: Certain browsers and applications use hardware acceleration which may conflict with your GPU. Try disabling it temporarily:
      • In Chrome: Settings > Advanced > System > Disable “Use hardware acceleration when available.”
      • In other browsers/apps, check similar options.
    • Check for Malicious Software or Malware: Run a full system scan with a reputable antivirus or antimalware tool to rule out any infections that could cause high resource usage.
    • Monitor Resource Usage: Use tools like MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor to observe temperature and usage patterns. Overheating or thermal throttling can cause CPU/GPU spikes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *