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Participating Frequently
March 27, 2018
Question

Media Encoder uses over 300% of CPU

  • March 27, 2018
  • 2 replies
  • 1170 views

When I'm encoding video files the Media Encoder app uses over 300% of the CPU according to my task window.

Therefore my Macbook becomes slow, heats up and eventually crashes.

Is there any way to limit the percentage of CPU Media Encoder can use?

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    2 replies

    New Participant
    April 19, 2018

    Similar Issue...

    Media Encoder is averaging 600% CPU usage for me.

    Drains my battery even when my laptop is plugged in.

    MacBook Pro

    3.1 GHz Intel Core i7

    16 GB 2133 MHz

    Radeon Pro 560 4GB

    Intel HD Graphics 630 1536 MB

    New Participant
    June 17, 2020

    Same issue here. Has anyone found a solution?


    MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)

    2.6 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i7

    16 GB 2400 MHz DDR4

    Radeon Pro 560X 4 GB

    Intel UHD Graphics 630 1536 MB

    Peru Bob
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    March 27, 2018

    Are you using GPU acceleration?

    What are your computer specs?

    Participating Frequently
    March 29, 2018

    According to the settings in Media Encoder i'm using the Mercury Playback Engine for GPU-acceleration (OpenCL). I'm not sure though if that is what you mean?

    I'm using a Macbook Air:

    - 1,8 GHz i5

    - 8GB 1600 MHz DDR3 

    - Intel HD Graphics 6000 1536 MB

    I know my laptop should be slow in rendering, however the application shouldn't be able to use 300% and then crash :/

    Peru Bob
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    March 29, 2018

    Has it ever worked better?

    If you are running on battery power, try using the power adapter.  The processor might work a bit better if it is not on power saving mode.

    I don't really know if you really can expect that processor to run AME well.