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New behaviour: PixInSight maxing out processor load?

Pleiades Astrophoto PixInsight Processing Calibration
PixInsight Addicts •3 replies•169 views
Astrochromata avatar
Astrochromata avatar
Hi addicts,

Already some time ago I noticed that PixInSight is maxing out the processor load to 100% for prolonged periods of time during some processes (e.g. Image Calibration).
I have always been monitoring processor temperature and had to underclock my processor to 85% to keep it at "acceptable temperatures" (85 degrees C). I have been using this setup for some months and was able to keep processor temperature at bay even during long jobs.

Recently I noticed that processor temperature has increased during processing, yesterday it was even over 100 degrees (I always thought that there was a thermal protection at 91 degrees). I had to install a software tool to force limit the processor use of pixinsight (Battle Encoder Shriasé or BES in short).

Did you guys notice processor temperatures going up? I do not think it is related to a pixinsight update but rather the recent Windows 10 update package.

Anyhow, you might want to have a look at processor temperatures during long calibration, local normalization and integration jobs, just in case it is not just an issue with my hardware (Ryzen 9 3900X, watercooled).

Here is a screenshot of the processor temperatures and the BES tool in action.


CS,
Ray
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Uwe Deutermann avatar
Uwe Deutermann avatar
Hmmmm … haven't noticed yet, but did not pay attention. Will do so on my next trial. Thanks for the info!
GW avatar
GW avatar
Hi Ray,

I am using a Ryzen 9 3900X Processor which is air cooled.

Reading your message, the first thing that came to mind is an air pocket build up in your AIO (I am assuming you are using an AIO). The first thing to check would be the orientation of your AIO set up (or even its a custom built water-cooler the same would apply).

The following link maybe of some use: (accept my apologies if you have already tested this)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKwA7ygTJn0

The issue you mentioned seems to have gotten worse over time and this could explain whats happening.

I just ran a Cinebench R23 multi core benchmark on my Ryzen 3900x and the max temp recorded was 82 degrees (centigrade). The R23 Benchmark is extremely CPU intensive. The Pixinsight Benchmark test gave a max temp of about 68 degrees. I am doing some image integrations in the next days and will post the numbers I get.

My gut tells me your problem is with the AIO, but I would also check your CPU VCore Voltage. Some motherboard manufactures set this way to high. You should get this info. from the hardware monitor I see you are using. You can adjust the VCore in BIOS. I brought down my CPU VCore from 1.35V to 1.296V

Before you do this I would update the BIOS firmware first.

Pixinsight is CPU intensive, but I don't think its the issue. Before you do any modifications run a Cinebench Test and check what temps you get. If your temps are still running high, you can eliminate Pixinsight as the cause.

Best wishes,

GW
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Astrochromata avatar
Astrochromata avatar
Hi GW,

thanks a lot for the elaborate information!
I tried out the potential issues you pointed out:

* I ran the Cinebench R23 and after the test ended (10 Minutes) the max temperature has reached 79 degrees centigrade. The processor load was at a constant 100% (like in the pixinsight) scenario and the temperature kept slowly rising. I think if the test would have lasted longer, I would have seen similar temperatures (my pixinsight job was running for an hour or so at 100% load)

* The core voltage is set quite a bit lower even at 1.208V. I think it is set so low because the CPU was originally overclocked. I reduced the clock but left the core temperature at its original value. 

* I checked the video and the orientation of the radiator. It is actually installed at the top of the casing, meaning the radiator is definately the highest point of the system. Also, I cannot hear any air moving around in it.

After all I think it is not pixinsight as such, it is just the fact that it is capable of loading the processor to full 100% for a prolonged period of time. 

Later today I will run a 30 minute Cinebench test to see if my theory holds up.

So I think for everybody running long jobs in pixinsight, it is certainly worth to check your processor temperatures!

CS,
Ray
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