CPU usage spikes during video streaming causing audio to garble

[pmbevac]

During video streaming (netflix, Youtube, Zoom calls) the CPU usage spikes to 100% from a fairly steady 10% along with the GPU%  spike as well. This garbles the audio. This can last a couple to 10 seconds or so. The computer is the Ryzen 7 version of the All-In- One 27-cr000a desktop.  Enclosed capture of Task manager.  Any known reason this is happening? 
Thanks in advance. 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @pmbevac,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your All-in-One HP desktop (Ryzen 7, 27-cr000a) is experiencing CPU spikes during video streaming or calls, which causes the audio to garble. Let’s go through a few steps to check what could be causing this.

    a. Check Background Processes
        Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and sort by CPU usage.
        Look for any background apps or processes consuming unusually high CPU.
        Close unnecessary apps (e.g., browser extensions, cloud sync apps, or updates running in background).

    b. Update Drivers
        Use HP Support Assistant or go to Device Manager to update:
        • Graphics drivers (GPU)
        • Chipset drivers (Ryzen chipset)
        • Audio drivers

    c. Adjust Power Settings
        Go to Settings → System → Power & Battery → Power Mode.
        Set to Best Performance or Balanced. Avoid “Battery Saver” or low-power modes that may throttle CPU during high-demand tasks.

    d. Check Hardware Acceleration
        In browsers (Chrome, Edge) and apps like Zoom, enable hardware acceleration:
        • Chrome: Settings → System → Use hardware acceleration when available
        • Zoom: Settings → Video → Advanced → Enable hardware acceleration

    e. Scan for Malware/Resource-Heavy Tasks
        Run a full scan with Windows Security or another trusted antivirus to ensure no malware is causing spikes.
        Check scheduled tasks or automatic updates that may run in the background.

    f. Monitor Temperature & Cooling
        High CPU/GPU spikes can occur if the processor throttles due to heat.
        Use HWMonitor or Ryzen Master to check temps.
        Ensure vents are clear and fans are spinning properly.

I hope this helps.

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