CPU usage Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 21, 2025

The Best Antivirus for Gaming PCs in 2025: 6 Top Picks Compared

McAfee has enhanced its offerings for gaming PCs, providing robust real-time protection and firewall capabilities that block threats without affecting performance. The Gamer Security version is now integrated within McAfee+ tiers and prioritizes CPU resources during gaming sessions. However, it uses more system resources compared to alternatives like Malwarebytes and Panda Dome, and some features, such as VPN and identity monitoring, are only available in higher-tier plans. The McAfee plans include: - McAfee Free Tools: Limited tools like web protection and password manager trials (Free) - McAfee+ Premium Individual: Real-time protection, VPN, password manager (.99 first year) - McAfee+ Advanced Individual: Adds identity monitoring and personal data cleanup (.99 first year) - McAfee+ Unlimited Individual: Adds identity theft coverage and security freeze tools (.99 first year) Key considerations for antivirus software for gaming PCs include performance impact, robust threat detection, dedicated gaming mode, resource usage, false positives, user interface, cross-device security, and customer support. Gaming PCs are susceptible to malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks, making reliable antivirus solutions essential. Panda Dome is highlighted as a suitable option for gamers, offering real-time protection, a dedicated gaming mode, and minimal resource usage. Free antivirus options can be used while gaming but may lack advanced features. It is not advisable to disable antivirus software during gaming, and running antivirus can slightly reduce FPS. Gaming mode enhances the gaming experience by pausing background scans and notifications. The best antivirus for gaming should have real-time protection, low resource usage, a gaming mode, robust threat detection, ransomware protection, a VPN, and password managers. Some antivirus software may block online game servers, but most have an allowlist function. Streamers should also use antivirus software while live to protect against additional risks. Antivirus programs can detect cheat software or malicious mods, especially if they contain malware.

AppWizard

August 12, 2025

Monster Hunter Wilds’ PC performance patches will keep coming, if almost as slowly as the game still runs

Capcom is facing ongoing challenges with the PC performance of Monster Hunter Wilds, despite multiple patches aimed at improving framerate stability. The company has committed to providing performance and stability updates until at least Winter 2025, with significant improvements expected by then. Game director Yuya Tokuda announced that the upcoming version 1.021 update will not include major performance enhancements, while the Title Update 4, scheduled between November and January, will focus on reducing CPU load. This is part of a two-phase optimization plan that will also address GPU load in future patches. Despite minor improvements, the game still struggles to perform well on high-end graphics cards, and previous solutions have been seen as ineffective. Tokuda suggested that players may need to adjust their graphics settings to better manage frame rates based on their hardware capabilities.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

5 Windows PowerShell commands every power user should know

Microsoft has transitioned from the traditional command prompt to Windows PowerShell, a command-line interface tool designed for scripting and task automation. Key commands in PowerShell include: 1. Get-Process: Retrieves information about processes running on a local computer or a remote server, including process names, IDs, CPU usage, and memory consumption. Example usage includes filtering processes by memory usage or specific applications. 2. Get-Command: Lists all available commands within PowerShell, including cmdlets, functions, aliases, and scripts. It helps users discover commands for specific tasks. 3. Set-ExecutionPolicy: Configures the PowerShell script execution policy, determining whether scripts can run and under what conditions. It allows power users to adjust policies for executing custom scripts. 4. Get-EventLog: Accesses detailed system logs for troubleshooting errors or auditing system activity, including warnings and security breaches. It can filter logs based on criteria like log name and entry type. 5. Where-Object: Filters objects in a pipeline based on specified conditions, allowing users to narrow down results for analysis, reporting, and automation. It can be combined with other commands for enhanced functionality.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

OperaGX is a browser built for PC gamers, and these 5 features prove it

Opera GX is a web browser designed specifically for PC gamers, featuring several tools to enhance performance and user experience. 1. GX Control allows users to limit RAM and CPU usage to prevent system slowdowns during gaming. 2. GX Corner serves as a hub for gaming news, free games, and release dates, providing a curated list and calendar without advertisements. 3. Integration of services like Twitch and Discord into the sidebar enables seamless communication while gaming. 4. The Hot Tabs Killer feature identifies and allows users to close resource-heavy tabs to maintain performance. 5. Users can customize the browser with various themes, background music, sound effects, and wallpapers to create a personalized experience.

Winsage

July 20, 2025

10 useful Windows built-in tools you’ve never used

- Windows Memory Diagnostic tests RAM for errors that may cause system crashes or freezes. It can be launched by typing "Windows Memory Diagnostic" in the Start Menu or using the Run Command with mdsched.exe. - Resource Monitor provides detailed insights into CPU, RAM, disk activity, and network bandwidth, helping identify resource-consuming applications. It can be accessed through Task Manager or the Windows search box. - Reliability Monitor displays a timeline of system stability, including software installations, updates, crashes, and hardware errors, aiding in troubleshooting. It can be found by searching in the Start bar or through Control Panel > Security and Maintenance. - DirectX Diagnostic Tool offers information about GPU, audio drivers, and DirectX version, useful for diagnosing gaming-related issues. It can be launched by pressing Win + R and typing dxdiag. - Credential Manager securely manages Windows login credentials and network login information. It can be accessed by searching for "Credential Manager" in the Start bar or through Control Panel. - God Mode consolidates over 200 system settings into a single folder, accessible by creating a new folder and renaming it to GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}. - Local Group Policy Editor allows advanced customization of Windows settings for Pro or Enterprise users. It can be launched by pressing Win + R and typing gpedit.msc. - Computer Management Console provides access to various system tools like Device Manager and Disk Management. It can be opened by right-clicking the Start button or using Win + R with compmgmt.msc. - Powercfg Tool diagnoses battery issues and provides reports on battery usage and health. It can generate a report by running powercfg /batteryreport in Command Prompt. - System Configuration (msconfig) allows users to control Windows boot options and troubleshoot startup issues. It can be launched by pressing Win + R and typing msconfig.

Winsage

July 20, 2025

Microsoft says it’s committed to Windows 11 performance upgrade, needs feedback

Microsoft is encouraging feedback from users in the Windows Insider Program regarding performance issues, particularly under the Desktop Environment > System Sluggishness category. Windows 11 requires more resources than Windows 10, impacting users with older hardware. Microsoft is collecting logs from Insider Program participants to address performance concerns, specifically when a PC shows sluggish behavior. These logs are stored in the %systemRoot% > Temp > DiagOutputDir > Whesvc folder and are sent to Microsoft only if users submit feedback through the Feedback Hub. The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update is expected to focus on bug fixes to improve performance, including faster load times for File Explorer's home tab. Additionally, the update is experimenting with a feature that throttles CPU usage when the user is away from the PC, potentially reducing power consumption and extending battery life, though there are concerns about its impact on background tasks.

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition is an excellent, subtle remaster and my new Steam Deck game of the summer

Neverwinter Nights 2 has received a remaster that enhances the original 2006 RPG, making it appealing to both returning players and newcomers. The remaster is compatible with existing mods and fan campaigns, and it allows for play on the Steam Deck. The game maintains its real-time with pause combat mechanics and isometric camera view, with controls adapting well for gamepad use. Performance on the Steam Deck is impressive, achieving a consistent 60fps, though some areas may cause frame rate drops, and battery life is limited to under three hours. The Enhanced Edition features sharper textures and a user interface that scales to HD resolutions, while also being more efficient in CPU usage. It supports cloud saves and retains compatibility with old save files, allowing for a seamless transition for players. The remaster focuses on delivering a polished experience without aiming for flashy graphics, preserving the original's charm and quirks.

Winsage

June 8, 2025

Microsoft tests CPU energy-saving feature in Windows 11

In the latest test build of Windows 11, version 26200.5603, Microsoft introduced User Interaction-Aware CPU Power Management, which optimizes CPU usage by reducing power consumption during inactivity. The system detects a lack of user activity, such as no mouse movements or keyboard inputs, and transitions into a low-power mode to conserve energy and extend battery life. When user interaction resumes, full CPU performance is restored. This feature is expected to be included in the upcoming final releases of Windows 11, specifically in versions 24H2 and 25H2.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

8 things you must try with the Linux Terminal app on your Android phone

Google introduced Linux Terminal support integrated into Android for Pixel users running the latest stable version of the operating system. The terminal operates within a virtual machine, ensuring separation from core device functions. A recent poll showed that 24% of users have enabled the Linux Terminal app, 51% are considering it, 10% do not want it, and 15% have phones that do not support it. Key commands include "help" for available commands and "man" for manual pages. Users can install system information tools like neofetch and htop, as well as terminal games such as Bastet, Pacman4console, Moon-Buggy, nsnake, and ninvaders. SSH can be installed for network device control, and text editor nano can be used for note-taking. Users can also install cmatrix for a Matrix-like display and stress testing tools. Nyan Cat can be displayed in the terminal as well. Future plans include full-scale Linux apps in Android’s desktop mode.

Winsage

May 25, 2025

The Windows Performance Monitor is one of the best built-in tools you’re not using

Performance Monitor is an advanced tool in Windows 11 that provides detailed insights into system performance, allowing users to monitor resource usage in real-time. It offers various performance counters, including battery status and network adapter performance, and supports different visualization formats like line graphs and histograms. Users can display multiple graphs simultaneously and save specific settings as an HTML file for easier analysis. Additionally, Performance Monitor can generate detailed reports based on predefined Data Collector Sets, enabling tailored data collection for critical metrics such as CPU usage and processor interrupts. Users can access Performance Monitor via the Start menu or by typing "perfmon" in the Run dialog.