Elements 2021 High CPU playing video in Expert Mode

[Sheldon5EDF]

On a Yoga 12, i5-5200U with 4 gigs of ram. (can't be upgraded as ram is on the MB.)

When playing an edited video in expert mode, the CPU pins at 100%. Does better in other modes. 

Are there adjustments I can make to provide a better experience? 

Thanks...

[Bill Sprague]

Edit > Preferences > General.    There are a couple adjustments there that may make a difference.  Try changing the preview quality to draft.   Also look to see if your project settings match your source footage.

[Ann Bens]

Most likely you are editing high compressed footage which your machine cannot handle.

And adding to that 4 gig of ram is way to low.

[Bill Sprague]

I missed the 4GB RAM.  Ann is right.   If you can make that work at all, consider yourself lucky.

[Steve Grisetti]

Your CPU is a bit on the low end too. It benchmarks at 2,500 and, in my books, I recommend a minimum benchmark of 6,000 for smooth HD editing.