So what does my CPU do when I'm running a game?

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Lance2500

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#1 Lance2500
Member since 2009 • 680 Posts

I would like to know what my processor actually does when the game is on. I mean what things does it do?

For example I would like to know what it manages and runs like AI and such.

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PernicioEnigma

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#2 PernicioEnigma
Member since 2010 • 6663 Posts
AI, and (unless it's calculated on the GPU) physics, along with all the other operations that come with running an application. All the apps running in the background will still be getting processor time.
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gigatrainer

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#3 gigatrainer
Member since 2006 • 2029 Posts
AI, Physics(Most of the time), other calculations such as hits, units, people, positioning, making sure game runs fair etc....
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psx_warrior

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#4 psx_warrior
Member since 2006 • 1757 Posts
Sounds like all the GPU's doing is rendering what we see on the screen.
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N30F3N1X

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#5 N30F3N1X
Member since 2009 • 8923 Posts

There is no single answer.

Every game is coded differently.

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BluRayHiDef

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#6 BluRayHiDef
Member since 2009 • 10839 Posts

Well, I don't know about your CPU, but I can tell you that mine does close to nothing when I'm running a game. It's always at like 15% or 20%, but I guess that's what happens when you have an i7-920. It doesn't have to work hard to get the job done.:P

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adamosmaki

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#7 adamosmaki
Member since 2007 • 10718 Posts

There is no single answer.

Every game is coded differently.

N30F3N1X
Exactly but usual stuff are physics and A.I
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psx_warrior

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#8 psx_warrior
Member since 2006 • 1757 Posts

Well, I don't know about your CPU, but I can tell you that mine does close to nothing when I'm running a game. It's always at like 15% or 20%, but I guess that's what happens when you have an i7-920. It doesn't have to work hard to get the job done.:P

BluRayHiDef
Show off:)
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the_mitch28

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#9 the_mitch28
Member since 2005 • 4684 Posts

There is no single answer.

Every game is coded differently.

N30F3N1X

This.

I went from a Core 2 Duo system to a Core i7 930 system but kept the same graphics card and in some games like GTA:IV, ArmA 2 and Supreme Commander the gains are huge but in others it's less noticeable.

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nutcrackr

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#10 nutcrackr
Member since 2004 • 13032 Posts
Not just physics and AI, actual scripting logic like what happens when a door opens > play audio file. Or if player steps into a fire pit he dies. Or things like switching animation from run to walk whether its player or enemy. Making calls for audio sounds to play or stop. Making decisions on bullets hitting or missing.
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mouthforbathory

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#11 mouthforbathory
Member since 2006 • 2114 Posts

It does everything to make the game work outside of graphics, and maybe sound (depends if the game processes sound off of the CPU or separate audio processor).

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spank_thru101

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#12 spank_thru101
Member since 2005 • 1041 Posts
Sounds like all the GPU's doing is rendering what we see on the screen.psx_warrior
Sort of. While the cpu handles loads of information and calculations, in games it primarily prerenders and then 'shoots' off 2D frames to the gpu to render.
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Lance2500

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#13 Lance2500
Member since 2009 • 680 Posts

Thanks for explaining this everyone :)

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Hakkai007

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#14 Hakkai007
Member since 2005 • 4905 Posts

Open your task manager where it shows the CPU % usage.

Now open a browser window and find a website to scroll through.

Now scroll up and down really fast. Keep repeating this and look at the CPU usage results while doing this.