A 100% CPU reading means your Droplet is using its available processing capacity; it does not, on its own, explain why. The first step is to identify which process is busy and check whether the load is sustained and tied to the stream. If the Droplet is running OBS with its x264 software encoder, encoding may be one contributor. If encoding happens on another machine or service, the Droplet’s CPU use has another cause to investigate.
What 100% CPU means on a Droplet
DigitalOcean describes high CPU or RAM use on a Droplet as normally coming from applications or kernel processes running on it. The host machine’s own CPU activity is not the same as your Droplet’s CPU usage: DigitalOcean says hypervisor CPU or RAM use does not translate into Droplet CPU use. See DigitalOcean’s guidance on high CPU or RAM usage (last verified July 13, 2026).
Check how the monitoring tool defines its percentage. DigitalOcean’s CPU metric treats the Droplet’s total processing capacity as 100%. Some command-line tools instead show utilization per CPU core, so a multi-core machine can display values above 100%. A high number from one tool is therefore not enough to tell you how much of the Droplet’s total capacity is in use.
Compare load average with vCPUs
Load average counts processes that are running or waiting. Compare the 1-, 5-, and 15-minute load averages with the Droplet’s vCPU count: a sustained load average above that count can signal pressure, while a brief spike may not indicate a continuing capacity problem. Use the definitions and alert guidance in DigitalOcean’s metrics documentation (last verified October 1, 2026).
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- 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.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Find out where the encoding happens
A Droplet only takes on encoding work if the encoding runs on that Droplet. Establish whether OBS or another encoder is running on the Droplet, on a local workstation, or in a separate service. If a local machine encodes the video and sends the stream onward, do not assume the Droplet is doing the encoding just because the stream is associated with it.
OBS’s x264 encoder is software-based and uses CPU. OBS also documents hardware encoders that can shift encoding work to a specialized GPU component. That is only a possible option if compatible hardware is actually available to the system running OBS; do not assume a Droplet exposes a usable GPU. See OBS’s hardware encoding guide.
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.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Diagnose the CPU spike while the stream is running
- Record the Droplet’s vCPU count. You will need it to interpret load average and assess whether capacity is persistently constrained.
- Inspect processes during a stream. Identify which applications or kernel processes are consuming CPU. DigitalOcean specifically recommends monitoring processes that may be using Droplet resources. Repeat the check when the stream is stopped; comparing the two periods helps separate baseline activity from stream-related work.
- Compare resource graphs over the same interval. DigitalOcean’s default Droplet graphs show public bandwidth, disk I/O, and disk usage. Enabling the Monitoring agent adds CPU, load average, and memory graphs. Use the graphs to see whether CPU pressure starts and stops with the stream, rather than relying on a single reading. Details are in DigitalOcean’s Droplet graphs documentation.
- Check outbound traffic alongside CPU. Public outbound bandwidth can show that data is leaving the Droplet, and the graphs separate public and private traffic as well as inbound and outbound traffic. A rise in outbound bandwidth confirms network activity, not the cause of high CPU.
- Confirm whether the suspected process is actually the encoder. If OBS and x264 are busy on the Droplet, test a less demanding encoding workload. If they are not running there, investigate the process that is consuming CPU instead of changing encoder settings blindly.
DigitalOcean Monitoring is free and opt-in; its agent exposes resource metrics including CPU, load average, memory, disk, and network traffic. The agent is not installed by default in all circumstances. Installation and alert setup are described in DigitalOcean’s Monitoring quickstart (last verified October 1, 2026).
If OBS and x264 are the confirmed cause
When OBS is encoding on the Droplet with x264, the encoder’s preset and the rest of the output workload affect CPU demand. OBS describes x264 presets ranging from lower to higher CPU use. An encoder that cannot keep pace can produce skipped frames or an “Encoding overloaded!” message. See OBS’s x264 guide.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Test a less demanding x264 preset and check CPU use and output performance again.
- Reduce demanding sources or output workload if the system is constrained, following OBS’s encoding performance troubleshooting guide.
- Consider a hardware encoder only if compatible GPU hardware is available to the VM that runs OBS. A software encoder cannot be made into a hardware encoder by changing a setting alone.
Change one relevant setting at a time and compare results under the same streaming workload. If x264 is not the busy process, these OBS adjustments may not address the cause.
When to resize the Droplet
DigitalOcean says a Droplet that chronically experiences high CPU or RAM use under normal workloads can be resized to a larger plan. Consider resizing when process checks and representative metrics show sustained pressure—not merely a short spike or a 100% figure from a tool using per-core percentages. Before choosing a plan, gather the vCPU count, the busy process, and CPU and load readings over a representative stream.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep uploaded videos looping on YouTube, StreamNeo is a different approach from running an encoder on a Droplet: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. StreamNeo runs the loop in the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. It streams the uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. The monthly option is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for uploaded videos streamed to YouTube, not live camera capture. Learn more at 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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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