Up to 100% CPU usage with DirectX9.0b

[Ydwor]

Hi,


When I run Madden NFL 2004 on my laptop, even if I do not perform any action, the CPU usage jumps and stays steadily on a 100%. The Windows Task Manager shows that Madden is the only cause. The fan goes wild, but the game itself goes pretty fine.

If I minimize the game, the CPU drops back down to 2-3%.

I have the same problem when I only run DXDIAG. The CPU runs at 100%, and the fan is working overtime.

I have a Compaq/HP Laptop, PIV, ATI video card 128Mb, 512 Mb free RAM, 30GB free Disk Space. O.S.: Windows XP Home.

Is this normal, a good or bad thing? Can this cause damage to my laptop?

Thank you very much for your help!


Ydwor

 

[jges]

I would say this is normal. Game software has very graphics intensive programming that uses all the cpu cycles it can get. When you minimize the game, it goes into a suspended state which is why cpu load goes down so much. Your computer should be designed to handle 100% load (though I wouldn't recommend letting it run for days at a time!). Just keep an eye on that fan, if it fails then things will start to heat up and damage could result.