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#1
Interesting CPU usage pattern caused by atikmdag.sys
I am using Acer V5-122P and running Windows 10 Build 1607 64-bit with all the latest updates.
Recently, I have noticed abnormal CPU usage by "System" (regardless of whether the PC is idle). This does not happen in the past, but I'm unable to tell when exactly it started.
The CPU usage graph is very interesting.
Perhaps a little bit less interesting if the 4 cores are displayed separately.
I have downloaded Process Explorer from Microsoft. It turns out that it is the atikmdag.sys that is causing the abnormal CPU usage.
Naturally I uninstalled the AMD display driver using the Display Driver Uninstaller. Then I tried several versions of the AMD display driver (including a pre-Crimson Catalyst driver and the driver provided by Windows Update). Unfortunately, all versions of the AMD display driver I have tried have the same problem.
It is worth noting that the abnormal CPU usage does NOT occur if I use the generic display driver built into Windows. However, the generic display driver is not suitable for long-term use because I can't even adjust screen brightness with that driver.
I am suspecting that the problem is caused by the Build 1607 update, but I'm too late to roll back to Build 1511 and I'm not prepared to re-install Windows at the moment.
It would be great if you could kindly provide me with insights into the problem. Thanks!