A 100% CPU reading means the Droplet is using its available processing capacity; it does not, by itself, explain why. The first step is to identify which process is busy and check whether CPU pressure is sustained and tied to the stream. If the Droplet is doing software video encoding, that work may be a cause. If it is not, changing encoder settings will not fix the underlying issue.
First, find out where the stream is being encoded
A Droplet uses CPU for encoding only if it is doing the encoding itself. Establish whether OBS or another encoder runs on the Droplet, on a local workstation, or in a separate service. If encoding happens elsewhere, look for another process or kernel task on the Droplet that coincides with the CPU increase.
DigitalOcean says high CPU or RAM usage is normally caused by applications or kernel processes running on the Droplet. Its support guidance recommends monitoring processes that may be using Droplet resources. Compare the busy processes during a stream with what is running when the stream is stopped; that comparison can reveal whether the increase is stream-related. DigitalOcean: high CPU or RAM usage
Understand what 100% and load average mean
DigitalOcean’s CPU metric represents the Droplet’s total processing capacity as 100%. Other tools may report utilization as a percentage for each CPU core, so on a multi-vCPU system their readings can exceed 100%. Check which metric or tool produced the number before interpreting it.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
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Load average counts processes that are running or waiting for CPU. Compare the 1-, 5-, and 15-minute load averages with the Droplet’s vCPU count. A sustained load average above that count can indicate pressure; a short spike may be temporary. These values describe different aspects of activity, so neither a single 100% sample nor a brief high load average proves that the Droplet is undersized. DigitalOcean Monitoring metrics
Also distinguish the Droplet’s own usage from host-level activity. DigitalOcean notes that CPU or RAM usage at the hypervisor level does not translate into CPU usage inside the Droplet. Diagnose the metrics reported for the Droplet rather than treating a host-level figure as its workload.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
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Compare metrics over the same streaming interval
DigitalOcean’s default Droplet Insights graphs show public bandwidth, disk I/O, and disk usage. Enabling the metrics agent adds CPU, load average, and memory graphs. Align their timelines with when the stream starts and stops: timing can help narrow down a cause, but a bandwidth increase alone confirms network traffic, not that network traffic caused the CPU spike.
DigitalOcean separates public and private bandwidth, as well as inbound and outbound traffic. For a stream sent to YouTube, compare public outbound traffic with CPU and load over the same period. If CPU rises while the stream runs, process-level evidence is still needed to identify what is consuming it. The Monitoring agent is opt-in and is not installed by default in all circumstances. Droplet monitoring graphs · Monitoring quickstart
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Rank #3
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
If OBS is encoding on the Droplet, check the encoder workload
OBS includes x264 software encoding, which uses CPU. Its encoding presets range from lower to higher CPU use. If x264 is the busy process, the chosen preset and output workload may be contributing to the pressure. OBS says an encoder that cannot keep up can cause skipped frames or an “Encoding overloaded!” message. OBS: hardware encoding · OBS: encoding performance troubleshooting · OBS: x264 presets
- First confirm that OBS is actually running on the Droplet and that x264 is the process using CPU. If the encoder runs elsewhere, changing the Droplet’s encoding settings will not address its CPU use.
- If OBS/x264 is confirmed, test a less demanding encoding configuration and check whether CPU pressure and skipped frames improve. OBS also recommends reducing demanding sources or output workload when performance is constrained.
- A hardware encoder can move encoding work to a specialized GPU component, but only consider it if compatible hardware is available to the VM. Do not assume a Droplet has an accessible GPU just because hardware encoding exists as an option in OBS.
Decide whether the Droplet needs more capacity
DigitalOcean says a Droplet that chronically experiences high CPU or RAM usage under normal workloads can be resized to a larger plan. Before choosing one, gather the vCPU count, the processes consuming resources, and representative CPU, load, and memory readings during normal streaming. If high use is brief, or no busy application and sustained resource pressure are evident, investigate the operating system, streaming software, and configuration instead of treating 100% as proof that the plan is too small. DigitalOcean support guidance
Rank #4
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Troubleshoot common symptoms
| Symptom | What to check | Practical next step |
|---|---|---|
| CPU reaches 100% only after the stream starts | Identify the busy process and establish whether encoding runs on the Droplet. | If OBS/x264 is responsible, test a less demanding encoding configuration; otherwise investigate the process that tracks with streaming. |
| Load average stays above the vCPU count | Compare the 1-, 5-, and 15-minute averages and inspect running or waiting processes. | Determine whether the pressure is sustained under normal workload before considering a resize. |
| Outbound bandwidth rises, but the cause of high CPU is unclear | Align public outbound traffic with CPU, load, and process activity. | Treat bandwidth as evidence of traffic, not proof that traffic caused the CPU increase. |
| OBS reports “Encoding overloaded!” or skips frames | Confirm that OBS is encoding on the Droplet and check whether x264 is busy. | Reduce encoding demand or workload; consider hardware encoding only when compatible GPU hardware is available to the VM. |
| A dashboard shows 100%, but Droplet-level pressure is not evident | Check whether the reading is per-core or Droplet-wide, and whether it refers to the Droplet or the hypervisor. | Use Droplet-level metrics and process evidence to guide the diagnosis. |
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep uploaded videos playing as a YouTube live stream, StreamNeo is an alternative to running an encoder on your Droplet: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded videos in the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. It streams the files as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos and streams to YouTube; it does not go live from a camera. See StreamNeo, or start your free day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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