No limit downloads, max CPU normal?

[Lenox]

I have my game downloads set to no limit on purpose. When I download a game, all of my CPU cores go to 100%. I thought the limit had to do with network bandwidth and not computer hardware.

Does that happen for all of you also?

I'm wondering if this is everyone's experience or if it's a sign that my CPU is finally getting old.

i7-5280K 3.30 GHz
Released September 2014

Despite it's age, my CPU utilization for most tasks rarely even peaks 50%.

I can add a screenshot if it helps.

[rawWwRrr]

The download is not just simply a transfer of files to your PC. The files are often compressed or encrypted or both. So your PC is going to be tasked with decompressing and decrypting those files while they are being downloaded.

[Lenox]

Originally posted by rawWwRrr:

The download is not just simply a transfer of files to your PC. The files are often compressed or encrypted or both. So your PC is going to be tasked with decompressing and decrypting those files while they are being downloaded.

Ah, very helpful. Thanks.

Does your PC also use 100% utilization in this scenario?

I'm wondering if this is like SQL, which uses all the RAM you give it. I wonder if no matter how beefy the CPU, Steam downloads will just utilize everything you give it when set to no limit.

Know what I mean?

[[N]ebsun]

Have you changed anything on your network driver settings ? something like interrupt moderation ?

If you disable interrupt moderation or other optimisations on your network driver, you could increase the CPU usage when downloading.

I use about 10% when downloading a game from Steam at gigabit speeds

[Lenox]

Originally posted by Nebsun:

Have you changed anything on your network driver settings ? something like interrupt moderation ?

If you disable interrupt moderation or other optimisations on your network driver, you could increase the CPU usage when downloading.

I use about 10% when downloading a game from Steam at gigabit speeds

Definitely not. Only that one Steam setting for "no limit." I tested with and without and the CPU usage is pretty normal without.

Is your 10% with the "no limit" setting?