why decrease cpu usage if app minimized ?

Question

Hello friends

I have a problem with my new system.

When I render with the 3ds Max program, if I open another program (like chrome or photoshop), the CPU performance decreases drastically. (100% cpu usage --> 35%)

I also changed the task manager priority settings, but it had no effect

Any program that opens in full screen practically disables the main program.(even This Pc)

Answer 1

hi derrick

thanks for replying

I did all your suggestions but unfortunately there was no change.

My system specifications are:

CPU : INTEL Core i7 13700k

Graphic : NVIDIA RTX 3060ti

Ram : 64gb ddr5

Mother Board : Rog Stris b760-f

I don't think it is reasonable to reduce CPU consumption by 60% to open File Explorer or Notepad.

Answer 2

3dmax full screen 100% cpu usage

Opening each program (for example notepad) in small form - 100% cpu usage

any program in full screen 40 % cpu usage

Answer 3

hi derrick

thanks for reply

I have the latest Windows update installed.

Unfortunately, I don't have any other software that works with CPU.

This problem is not only specific to other software. Anything that is opened in Full screen limits the main program. Even Notepad or file Explorer - if it is not opened in full screen, it is not a problem. But if it is in full screen, the main program practically stops working.

I always render at my workplace and I also work with AutoCAD and Photoshop is also open, but it does not reduce the CPU power for rendering at all.

I have not seen such a strange problem in these 10 years. I don't know if the problem is Windows or the software?

Answer 4

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

If you open a new application while rendering with 3DS Max, the 3DS Max app will be listed as a non-foreground application.

Windows will automatically assume that your newly opened program may need more resources. This may result in reduced CPU utilization.

To better identify your problem, if you use other software to render your project files, will there be a CPU usage decline?

Please feel free to let me know if you have any further updates, thanks.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 5

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

When an application is minimized or another program takes the focus in full-screen mode, the operating system may prioritize the active program over background processes. This behavior is designed to provide a smoother user experience for the active task and reduce unnecessary resource usage for background processes. There are a few reasons why this might happen:

1. Resource Allocation: When an application is minimized or not in the foreground, the operating system allocates fewer CPU resources to it. This is done to allocate more processing power to the active application and improve its responsiveness.
2. Power Efficiency: Modern operating systems are designed to be power-efficient. When a program is minimized or not in focus, reducing its CPU usage helps save power and prolong battery life on laptops and mobile devices.
3. Multitasking: By allocating more CPU resources to the active program, the system ensures that the user's current task (e.g., using Chrome or Photoshop) is smooth and responsive. This is especially important when running resource-intensive tasks like rendering in 3ds Max, as it prevents lag and improves overall system performance.
4. User Experience: Prioritizing active applications ensures that the user's interactions with the computer feel snappy and fluid. If background processes, like rendering in 3ds Max, were allowed to consume excessive CPU resources even when minimized, it could lead to a sluggish user experience.

Changing the task manager priority settings might not have a significant effect because the operating system still manages resource allocation to maintain system stability and responsiveness.

If you want to improve CPU performance while multitasking, you could try the following:

1. Close Unnecessary Programs: Close any other unnecessary applications running in the background to free up more CPU resources for your main tasks.
2. Adjust 3D Max Settings: Check the settings in 3ds Max to see if you can reduce its CPU usage while rendering. Some rendering options may be more resource-intensive than others.
3. Use CPU Affinity: In some cases, you can set the CPU affinity for 3ds Max, so it only uses specific CPU cores, leaving other cores available for other applications.
4. Upgrade Hardware: If you regularly run resource-intensive tasks while multitasking, consider upgrading your computer's hardware, such as getting a more powerful CPU with more cores and threads.

Remember that multitasking will always involve some trade-offs, and your computer's performance is limited by its hardware capabilities.