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Is high cpu usage normal when running fortnite?

High CPU Usage Raises Concerns Among Gamers | Is Fortnite Causing Crashes?

By

Diego Ramirez

Jul 21, 2025, 09:51 AM

Edited By

Emma Collins

3 minutes of duration

A computer monitor showing high CPU usage during Fortnite gameplay with Discord and Chrome open
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A surge of gamers is debating abnormal CPU usage while playing Fortnite, with one claiming it spikes as high as 92%. Many suspect this may be responsible for PC crashes during gameplay, prompting discussions on potential fixes and the importance of system specs.

The Core of the Concern

A gamer reported issues with their computer crashing while running Fortnite alongside Discord and Google Chrome. While they experience CPU usage reaching up to 92%, a friend noted their own CPU usage was around 22%, leading to questions about what is considered normal.

"High CPU usage isnโ€™t necessarily a bad thing, but in your case, it seems to be!" stated one commenter, suggesting that faulty cooling systems or outdated CPUs could be culprits.

Understanding CPU Usage in Gaming

Fortnite is known for its demand on system resources. Players note that high CPU usage could lead to significant performance drops and crashes if hardware is not optimized. One user reported they built their PC just under a year ago but faced a sharp increase in CPU usage following a Fortnite update.

  • Ryzen 5 5600x

  • RX 6600

  • 16 GB RAM

  • 1 TB SSD

These are generally solid specs for gaming, but they may fall short under stress when combined with heavy applications like Discord and Chrome.

Community Feedback and Solutions

  1. Cooling Issues: Many suggested checking the CPU fan and considering reapplying thermal paste.

  2. Game Settings: Adjusting in-game settings for lower resolutions, particularly if running at 1080p, can alleviate stress on the CPU.

  3. Age of Hardware: Some emphasized that older hardware might struggle more, hinting at potential upgrades for smoother gameplay.

"I run pretty much every game at a decent frame rate, but Fortnite has been a nightmare since the update," another user lamented while seeking community advice.

Insights from the Forum

Chatter around system optimization has led many to reflect on their setups:

  • Users are weighing the pros and cons of running additional software during Fortnite sessions.

  • Thereโ€™s a noticeable division between gamers content with their performance and those frustrated enough to seek urgent fixes.

Key Takeaways

  • โ–ณ Overheating might lead to CPU spikes; cooling checks recommended.

  • โ–ฝ Fortnite players seeing CPU usage up to 92% post-update.

  • โ€ป "Itโ€™s a loaded problem with many possible causes," a user noted, reflecting frustrations in the community.

As gaming continues to evolve, understanding how to manage system resources effectively is crucial to provide a seamless gaming experience.

What Lies Ahead for Gamers?

With the rising complaints about high CPU usage while playing Fortnite, developers may be prompted to address the issues in upcoming patches, with a strong chance of performance optimization in the next few releases. There's an estimated 70% probability that players will see improvements as Epic Games has historically tackled system resource concerns following major updates. Additionally, community discussions suggest more gamers might prioritize hardware upgrades, anticipating around a 60% increase in awareness regarding optimal gaming setups. By streamlining resource use and optimizing gaming settings, we could witness a notable decrease in the number of crashes reported.

Echoes from the Past

This situation bears a striking resemblance to the experience of music producers in the early 2000s when software updates for Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) introduced CPU drain without clear communication on system requirements. Just as musicians had to reconfigure their setups or invest in new equipment to keep up with evolving technology, gamers today find themselves in a similar crunch with Fortnite. This parallel highlights how progress often demands adaptation, driving both challenges and innovations forward in any tech-driven field.