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CPU and memory run away

  • 11 replies
  • 3 have this problem
  • 19 views
  • Last reply by mackmick

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For the last month or so I have had problems with Firefox using too much CPU, too much memory. This is not long after I have restarted. It soon gets so bad that there is a 3-6 second delay in anything I do. At this point I am going to have to stop using FF as it is too disruptive. Cannot place any other system changes.

For the last month or so I have had problems with Firefox using too much CPU, too much memory. This is not long after I have restarted. It soon gets so bad that there is a 3-6 second delay in anything I do. At this point I am going to have to stop using FF as it is too disruptive. Cannot place any other system changes.

All Replies (11)

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I have read this and tried most things, but so far it has not helped. It is not something that seems systemic, it seems the tool breaks down after a while and starts wanting to grab more CPU and memory.

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Clear cache and history if you haven't tried

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I find there are certain sites which cause a problem and it helps to close the tabs. They can be reopened from History > Recently closed tabs or you can reopen the site in a new tab.

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You can create a new profile as a quick test to see if your current profile is causing the problem.

See "Creating a profile":

If the new profile works, you can transfer files from a previously used profile to the new profile, but be cautious not to copy corrupted files to avoid carrying over problems.

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I created a new profile, cleared all the cache and history and all that, so far so good. Now just rebuilding shortcuts and other stuff. I saved the bookmarks so that is good. Will see if it holds.

This was not any sites but just over time would loose control. I had 1.3G in cache/history which seems excessive. Hopefully I do not have to keep doing this.

Thanks for everyone's help.

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Did not last long, I opened a few windows and had 50% CPU 5G memory, and 33 apps open. Just opening this window shows 22 apps. Why is it opening so many processes? Will try to see if one of my applications is causing an issue, but it just looks like FF is way too hungry for resources. I have the latest 113 64 bit code.

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Update Firefox: Make sure that you are using the latest version of Firefox. Updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can help address issues like high CPU and memory usage.

Disable add-ons and extensions: Try disabling any add-ons or extensions that you are not using. Add-ons can sometimes cause high CPU and memory usage.

Clear your cache and cookies: Clearing your cache and cookies can help free up memory and improve performance.

Reset Firefox: You can try resetting Firefox to its default settings. This will remove any customizations you have made, but it can help improve performance.

Use a different browser: If none of the above steps help, you might consider using a different browser for a while to see if that resolves the issue.

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I have done all of this, I only have two extensions and add ons, most were removed before when I wiped all the stuff.

The other browsers are not doing this, it is only Firefox.

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You can find the current multi-process state on the Troubleshooting Information page (about:support).

  • "Help -> Troubleshooting Information"
    "Application Basics":<be>Multiprocess Windows and Fission Windows
    "Remote Processes" (Web Content)

You can check the about:memory and about:processes pages for info about all processes. There are several toolkit.aboutProcesses prefs on the about:config page to show more info.

See also the about:unloads page for info about the tabs.

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The memory and process pages are very intimidating, so much data there it is hard to see what can be used. Takes a while to sort through.

I put up both process and memory up and then continued to play with FF. After a while I can hear my PC fans start to run meaning I have large CPU usage. The CPU was about 70% with memory at 8G.

I scanned both process and memory. memory is not so bad but so many processes with 500M so not really showing a run away.. But the process show 200% for FF main. These process numbers do not align with Task Manager but are showing trends. So I looked down the process page and found an Extension, Kapersky at 70% and GPU high. These are not really adding up to the 200%, but when I disabled this app the GPU dropped, the extensions basically went to idle, and main CPU dropped to about 10%. Turn on Kapesky, CPU to 200% So it definitely seems like this extension is doing something to consume memory, CPU, GPU and just basically messing up the computer.

Memory is still at 5G which suggesst FF is still blotted and too many processes.

Will contact Kapersky as I like this extension, gives me more security, secure windows, etc.

Will wait a while before marking the problem solved, but this seems like the culprit.