Baldur’s Gate 3 is an amazing RPG with rich storytelling and stunning visuals, but many players struggle with high CPU usage.
Baldur’s Gate 3 can use 60-100% CPU, causing lag and performance issues. To fix this, update drivers, lower settings, close background apps, and optimize power settings for smoother gameplay.
In this guide, we’ll explore why Baldur’s Gate 3 uses so much CPU and how you can reduce the load for better performance. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Impact of Baldur’s Gate 3 High CPU Usage on Performance
High CPU usage in Baldur’s Gate 3 can cause frustrating performance issues like lag, stuttering, and occasional crashes. These problems can break immersion and diminish the overall gaming experience.
However, the game’s stunning graphics, complex mechanics, and dynamic AI justify the load on CPUs. The good news? Simple tweaks can optimize performance without sacrificing the fun.
Understanding CPU Usage in Gaming
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of your computer, responsible for executing instructions from both the operating system and applications. In gaming, the CPU handles tasks such as artificial intelligence, physics calculations, and processing game logic.
High CPU usage indicates that the processor is working at or near its maximum capacity, which can lead to performance bottlenecks, especially if the CPU cannot keep up with the demands of the game.
What Causes High CPU Usage in Baldur’s Gate 3?
High CPU usage in Baldur’s Gate 3 can happen for many reasons. Here are the leading causes:
- Unoptimized Game Code – The game is vast and complex, and sometimes the code isn’t fully optimized, making your CPU work harder than it should.
- High Graphics Settings – Running the game on ultra or high settings puts extra load on your CPU, especially if your PC isn’t powerful enough.
- Outdated Drivers – Old or missing graphics cards and chipset updates can slow down performance.
- Background Apps – Other programs running in the background (like browsers or antivirus software) can use CPU power.
- Overheating – If your CPU gets too hot, it might slow down to protect itself, making the game lag.
- Incompatible Hardware – If your PC doesn’t meet the game’s minimum requirements, it will struggle to run the game smoothly.
1. Unoptimized Game Code
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a massive game with complex AI and detailed worlds. Sometimes, the game’s code isn’t fully optimized, making the CPU work harder than necessary.
This can lead to lag, stuttering, and overheating. Developers usually release updates to fix these issues, so keeping the game updated is essential.
Unfortunately, players can’t fix the code directly, but lowering specific settings and optimizing your PC can help. If you’re experiencing high CPU usage, keep an eye out for performance patches from the developers.
2. Inadequate Graphics Settings
Running Baldur’s Gate 3 on ultra or high settings can overload your CPU, especially if your PC isn’t powerful enough.
While graphics mainly rely on the GPU, some settings—like shadows, reflections, and AI interactions—use much CPU power.
If your CPU is struggling, try lowering these settings. Reducing the resolution, disabling background animations, and adjusting frame rates can make a big difference. Finding the right balance between visuals and performance will help your game run smoother.
3. Incompatible Hardware or Outdated Drivers
If your PC doesn’t meet the game’s minimum system requirements, it will struggle to smoothly run Baldur’s Gate 3.
Old or outdated drivers, especially for your graphics card, can cause performance problems. To fix this, check your hardware specs and update your GPU, chipset, and sound drivers.
You can find these updates on the official websites of NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel. Keeping your drivers updated ensures your system runs efficiently and can handle the game properly.
4. Background Processes
Other programs running in the background can take up CPU power, making the game lag or stutter. Common culprits include web browsers, antivirus scans, and software updates.
Before launching Baldur’s Gate 3, close unnecessary apps using Task Manager. You can also disable startup programs that use too much CPU.
If you still have issues, consider using “Game Mode” in Windows to prioritize gaming performance. Freeing up resources will help your CPU focus on running the game smoothly.
How to fix Baldur’s Gate 3 high CPU usage
1. Update your graphics driver
Outdated graphics drivers can cause performance issues in Baldur’s Gate 3. Visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to install the latest drivers. Updated drivers improve compatibility, fix bugs, and optimize performance, reducing CPU usage.
2. Change the power plan setting
Windows power settings affect game performance. Switch to “High Performance” mode in Control Panel > Power Options to ensure your CPU runs at full power. This helps Baldur’s Gate 3 perform better without unnecessary power-saving limits.
3. Set CPU affinity only use 0-3
Limiting Baldur’s Gate 3 to fewer CPU cores can sometimes reduce high CPU usage. Open Task Manager > Details, find the game, right-click, choose Set Affinity, and select only cores 0-3. This may help stabilize performance.
4. Allow high graphics performance for the game
If your PC has integrated and dedicated GPUs, ensure that Baldur’s Gate 3 runs on the high-performance GPU. Go to Windows Graphics Settings, add the game, and set it to “High Performance” for better frame rates and lower CPU usage.
5. End unnecessary tasks
Background apps can eat up CPU power, causing game lag. Open Task Manager, check for high CPU-usage programs (like browsers or antivirus software) and close them before playing. This frees up system resources for Baldur’s Gate 3.
6. Clear game cache
Over time, cache files can slow down Baldur’s Gate 3. Go to the game’s installation folder, find the cache files, and delete them. This helps refresh game data, potentially fixing performance issues and reducing CPU load.
Impacts of High CPU Usage
High CPU usage can have several adverse effects on gameplay:
- Performance Drops: Elevated CPU usage can lower frame rates, resulting in choppy or unresponsive gameplay.
- Overheating: Continuous high CPU usage generates more heat, which can cause the system to overheat if not adequately cooled, potentially leading to hardware damage.
- System Instability: Excessive CPU usage can cause system instability, leading to crashes or freezes during gameplay.
Optimizing Baldur’s Gate 3 for Lower CPU Usage
If Baldur’s Gate 3 is using too much CPU, try these simple fixes:
- Update Your Drivers – Keep your graphics card, chipset, and other system drivers updated for better performance.
- Lower Graphics Settings – Reduce settings like shadows, reflections, and resolution to ease the CPU load.
- Close Unnecessary Apps – Shut down browsers, antivirus scans, and background apps before playing.
- Use Game Mode – Turn on Windows “Game Mode” to give the game more CPU power.
- Check for Game Updates – Developers release patches that improve performance and fix CPU issues.
- Limit FPS – Lowering the frame rate can reduce CPU strain and enhance stability.
- Monitor CPU Temperature – Overheating can slow your CPU, so keep your PC cool with proper ventilation.
- Upgrade Hardware (If Needed) – If your CPU is too old, upgrading might be the best long-term fix.
Baldur’s Gate 3 CPU Spike
If you notice sudden CPU spikes while playing Baldur’s Gate 3, it could be due to background apps, unoptimized game code, or overheating.
These spikes can cause lag or stuttering. Try closing extra programs, updating drivers, and lowering settings to keep your CPU running smoothly during gameplay.
Best CPU for Baldur’s Gate 3
For the best performance in Baldur’s Gate 3, a modern multi-core CPU like the Intel i7-12700K or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X works well.
The game benefits from intense single-core speeds and efficient multitasking. If your CPU is struggling, upgrading to a newer processor can improve frame rates and reduce lag.
BG3 CPU Optimization
Optimizing Baldur’s Gate 3 for lower CPU usage involves tweaking settings and system adjustments. Lower shadows, disable background apps and update drivers.
Using Windows Game Mode, capping FPS, and checking for game patches can also help. These small changes ensure smoother gameplay and prevent excessive CPU load.
Why is Baldur’s Gate 3 So Demanding?
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a massive open-world RPG with complex AI, detailed environments, and high-quality graphics. The game constantly processes character interactions and world changes, making it CPU-heavy.
Running smoothly requires strong hardware, good optimization, and regular developer updates to improve performance.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Multithreading
Baldur’s Gate 3 uses multithreading, spreading tasks across multiple CPU cores. This helps improve performance, but some older CPUs may struggle with heavy AI calculations. With a multi-core processor, enabling multithreading in your system settings can enhance gameplay smoothness.
Is Baldur’s Gate 3 CPU or GPU Intensive?
Baldur’s Gate 3 is both CPU and GPU-intensive. The CPU handles AI, character interactions, and game logic, while the GPU processes graphics. If you’re experiencing lag, check your CPU usage first, then adjust graphics settings to reduce strain on your GPU for a balanced performance.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Analysis of Stutters and CPU Bottleneck
Stuttering in Baldur’s Gate 3 happens when the CPU struggles to meet the game’s demands. This bottleneck slows processing, causing lag. Lowering graphics settings, updating drivers, and closing background apps can help reduce stuttering and improve performance.
100% Spike in CPU Usage
A sudden 100% CPU spike in Baldur’s Gate 3 can cause freezing and overheating. This can happen due to background tasks, unoptimized game code, or system issues. To reduce CPU load, try updating drivers, closing extra apps, and lowering settings.
CPU Usage at 100%, but GPU and RAM Usage Are Low
If your CPU is maxed out while GPU and RAM stay low, the game is CPU-limited. This happens when the game relies heavily on processing power. Reduce background tasks, update drivers, and tweak settings to balance CPU and GPU usage.
Low GPU/High CPU Usage
Performance drops when Baldur’s Gate 3 puts more load on the CPU instead of the GPU. This could be due to outdated drivers or settings forcing CPU-heavy tasks. Switch to high-performance GPU mode and adjust graphics settings to fix it.
How to Lower CPU Temp?
High CPU temperature can cause lag and crashes. Keep your PC cool by cleaning dust, improving airflow, and using a good thermal paste. Also, limit background apps, lower in-game settings, and apply new cooling solutions if overheating persists.
Baldur’s Gate 3 100% SSD Usage Causing Freezing
If Baldur’s Gate 3 causes your SSD to reach 100% usage, freezing can occur. This can happen due to disk-intensive tasks or background updates. To reduce freezing, disable unnecessary apps, check for SSD health issues, and increase virtual memory.
FAQs
1. Why does Baldur’s Gate 3 use so much CPU?
Baldur’s Gate 3 has complex AI, detailed environments, and real-time calculations, making it highly CPU-intensive, especially during battles.
2. How to get Baldur’s Gate 3 to use less CPU?
To reduce CPU usage in Baldur’s Gate 3, lower graphics settings, update drivers, close background apps, and use high-performance power mode.
3. Why is 100% of my CPU being used?
Your CPU may be overloaded due to background processes, unoptimized game settings, or outdated drivers. Reducing unnecessary tasks can help.
4. Is Baldur’s Gate 3 a heavy game?
Yes, Baldur’s Gate 3 is demanding due to its graphics, AI, and extensive world. A strong CPU and GPU are recommended.
5. Is Baldur’s Gate 3 GPU or CPU intensive?
Baldur’s Gate 3 is more CPU-intensive, especially during AI-driven events, but also needs a good GPU for better graphics performance.
6. Should I run Baldur’s Gate 3 on Vulkan or DX11?
Vulkan generally offers better performance, but DX11 is more stable. Try both and choose what works best for your system.
7. Is Baldur’s Gate 3 demanding?
Yes, it requires a powerful CPU and GPU. Adjusting settings can help if your PC struggles to run smoothly.
8. How do I stop games from using 100% CPU?
Close background apps, update drivers, limit CPU-heavy tasks, and adjust in-game settings to reduce CPU usage.
9. How much RAM is recommended for Baldur’s Gate 3?
16GB RAM is ideal for smooth gameplay, but 8GB can work with lower settings and optimizations.
10. How many cores should my CPU have for gaming?
At least 4 cores are needed, but 6-8 cores offer better performance in modern games like Baldur’s Gate 3.
Conclusion
Baldur’s Gate 3 is an incredible RPG, but high CPU usage can cause performance issues. You can improve gameplay by updating drivers, optimizing settings, and closing background tasks. Simple tweaks make a big difference, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience!
