{"id":61782,"date":"2026-01-16T12:05:52","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T12:05:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.overclockers.co.uk\/blog\/?p=61782"},"modified":"2026-01-16T12:05:56","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T12:05:56","slug":"how-to-optimise-cpu-usage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.overclockers.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-optimise-cpu-usage\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Optimise CPU Usage\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If your PC feels sluggish or your games are stuttering,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0probably time\u00a0to look at what your CPU is doing. In\u00a0this guide,\u00a0we\u2019re\u00a0walking through practical tips to optimise CPU usage and get your system running\u00a0smoothly.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

PCs often end up doing more work than we realise. Background processes, apps running without you noticing,\u00a0and even malware can keep your\u00a0processor\u00a0busy. Optimising CPU usage is not just about squeezing out extra performance. It also keeps your system cooler, quieter,\u00a0and more responsive. In this guide,\u00a0we will cover simple fixes,\u00a0smart\u00a0tweaks,\u00a0and preventative steps to get your CPU under control.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why You Should Optimise CPU Usage<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your CPU\u00a0is at\u00a0the heart\u00a0of everything your\u00a0PC\u00a0does, so\u00a0when it\u00a0is under unnecessary\u00a0load, the\u00a0whole system\u00a0feels\u00a0it. High CPU\u00a0usage can lead\u00a0to\u00a0slower\u00a0performance,\u00a0stuttering\u00a0in games, longer\u00a0load\u00a0times,\u00a0louder\u00a0fans,\u00a0and higher temperatures. Over\u00a0time,\u00a0that extra strain\u00a0can even\u00a0impact\u00a0system\u00a0stability\u00a0and\u00a0component\u00a0lifespan.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Optimising CPU usage is about making sure your processor is working on what\u00a0actually matters. By cutting out background clutter and fixing common issues, you can free up resources for gaming, productivity, and everyday tasks, helping your PC feel faster,\u00a0stay\u00a0cooler, and\u00a0feel more\u00a0responsive without spending a penny on new hardware.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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How To Optimise Your CPU Usage<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Alright, so now we get into the practical part. If your PC is running hot, loud, or just not performing how it should, these are the simple steps you can take to bring CPU usage back under control. You do not need specialist tools or deep system knowledge, just a bit of time and a few smart checks.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A good place to start is making sure your operating system, software, and drivers are all fully up to date. Outdated system files, apps, or drivers can cause unnecessary CPU load, create conflicts, or even trigger background tasks that slow your PC down. Keeping everything current is a quick, easy step that often fixes small performance issues before they become bigger problems.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Once your software is up to date, a few routine checks can make\u00a0a huge difference. Closing unused apps, checking background processes, and keeping your system tidy can all reduce CPU load, improve responsiveness, and even help your PC run cooler and quieter. With these steps,\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0already on the way to getting the most out of your processor without touching anything complicated.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"HX<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Check and Close Background Processes<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

High CPU usage often comes from apps quietly running in the background that you do not actually need. Even minimized programs, launchers, updaters, or multiple browser tabs can add unnecessary load to your processor.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Open Task Manager and\u00a0take a look\u00a0at what is\u00a0keeping\u00a0your CPU\u00a0busy.\u00a0Close\u00a0anything\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0not actively using,\u00a0especially launchers, updaters, or browser tabs that have been left open. This is a quick win and often the fastest way to reduce CPU usage straight away.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s\u00a0be honest,\u00a0you do not need\u00a0three different RGB\u00a0software\u00a0running at the same time. \u201cBut all of my\u00a0RGB peripherals are\u00a0different brands!\u201d This is an\u00a0easy fix, use\u00a0the free\u00a0SignalRGB\u00a0software to command\u00a0basically any\u00a0RGB.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Check for Malware and Background Scans<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes,\u00a0high CPU\u00a0usage has nothing\u00a0to do with what you are actively running. Malware, unwanted background\u00a0tools, or\u00a0overly aggressive\u00a0security\u00a0scans can quietly\u00a0eat up processing\u00a0power. Running a\u00a0full antivirus and\u00a0malware\u00a0scan is an easy win and can\u00a0often uncover hidden issues. It is\u00a0also worth checking your security software schedule, as scans kicking in\u00a0while you are gaming or working can\u00a0cause sudden CPU\u00a0spikes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"My<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Do a Cheeky Little Upgrade<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0been a hot minute\u00a0since your PC last saw an\u00a0upgrade,\u00a0then maybe\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0time to\u00a0give yourself the upgrade you deserve.\u00a0Whether you fancy a CPU upgrade or even a whole new gaming PC,\u00a0Overclockers UK\u00a0has your back!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
CPUs<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Gaming PCs<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"Intel<\/div>

Intel Core I7-14700K (Raptor Lake-S) Socket LGA1700 Processor – Retail<\/h3>

PRO-INT-00800<\/p>

\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605 (5)<\/span><\/p>

\u00a3419.99<\/span> \u00a3 389.99<\/span><\/p>-7.14%<\/span>

(incl. VAT)<\/p>

FREE SHIPPING<\/p>

in stock<\/p>ADD TO BASKET<\/a><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"AMD<\/div>

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Eight Core 5.20GHz (Socket AM5) Processor – Retail<\/h3>

PRO-AMD-03517<\/p>

\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605 (5)<\/span><\/p>

\u00a3409.99<\/span> \u00a3 368.99<\/span><\/p>-10%<\/span>

(incl. VAT)<\/p>

FREE SHIPPING<\/p>

in stock<\/p>ADD TO BASKET<\/a><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"AMD<\/div>

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D Eight Core 5.00GHz (Socket AM5) Processor – Retail<\/h3>

CP-3DT-AM<\/p>

\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605 (5)<\/span><\/p>

\u00a3364.99<\/span> \u00a3 319.99<\/span><\/p>-12.33%<\/span>

(incl. VAT)<\/p>

FREE SHIPPING<\/p>

in stock<\/p>ADD TO BASKET<\/a><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"OcUK<\/div>

OcUK Gaming Mach 1.1 – Ryzen 5600 RTX 5060 Pre-Built Gaming PC<\/h3>

FS-PB14-EP<\/p>

\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605 (5)<\/span><\/p>

\u00a3949.99<\/span> \u00a3 899.99<\/span><\/p>-5.26%<\/span>

(incl. VAT)<\/p>

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in stock<\/p>ADD TO BASKET<\/a><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"TechForge<\/div>

TechForge Sakura – AMD Ryzen 9800X3D, Radeon 9070 XT Cherry Blossom Inspired Modded Gaming PC<\/h3>

SYS-TCF-00087<\/p>

\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605 (5)<\/span><\/p>

\u00a32899.99<\/span><\/p>

(incl. VAT)<\/p>

FREE SHIPPING<\/p>

out of stock<\/p>ADD TO BASKET<\/a><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"OcUK<\/div>

OcUK Gaming Zirconium Ice – AMD Ryzen 9800X3D, Radeon RX 9070 XT Gaming PC<\/h3>

SYS-OCG-00048<\/p>

\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605 (5)<\/span><\/p>

\u00a32599.99<\/span><\/p>

(incl. VAT)<\/p>

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out of stock<\/p>ADD TO BASKET<\/a><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

How Can We Help?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Got a burning PC gaming question? Want to know what you should upgrade to? Shout at us in the comments!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If your PC feels sluggish or your games are stuttering, it’s probably time to look at what your CPU is doing. In this guide, we’re walking through practical tips to optimise CPU usage and get your system running smoothly.  PCs often end up doing more work than we realise. Background processes, apps running without you noticing, and even malware can keep your processor busy. Optimising […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":61788,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1358,1350,1334],"tags":[2312,372],"class_list":["post-61782","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cpus-all-articles","category-gaming-hardware","category-how-to","tag-gaming-hardware","tag-how-to"],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Optimise CPU Usage\u00a0 | Overclockers UK<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If your PC feels sluggish or your games are stuttering, it\u2019s probably time to look at what your CPU is doing.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.overclockers.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-optimise-cpu-usage\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" 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If you're still not fed up with me, you can also catch me over on the Overclockers UK TikTok and YouTube accounts.","url":"https:\/\/www.overclockers.co.uk\/blog\/author\/rob\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.overclockers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61782","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.overclockers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.overclockers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.overclockers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.overclockers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=61782"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.overclockers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61782\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":61790,"href":"https:\/\/www.overclockers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61782\/revisions\/61790"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.overclockers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/61788"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.overclockers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=61782"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.overclockers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=61782"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.overclockers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=61782"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}