[Updated] Razer Synapse 'high CPU usage & temps' issue persists, but there are some alternatives

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on Feb. 21, 2023) follows:

Here’s the crux of the article in video form

Razer Synapse is a widely known tool for configuring Razer hardware. From creating powerful macros, and customizable buttons to rebinding buttons on your device — it does it all.

But it has a notorious reputation for being a performance hog that causes high CPU usage and temperatures.

Razer Synapse ‘high CPU usage & temps’ issue

The issue has been reported (1,2,3,4,5,6,7) on various online forums and platforms for years even after bagging numerous updates and improvements.

Help!! The Razer Synapse using many CPU sources. How to solve it, probably using 5%-20%. When I close it, CPU will drop to 4%. It is not about the software itself, it relate the services, including windows management instrumentation.
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Synapse consumes way too much CPU for app that changes mouse/keyboard color.
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Some of the recent reports on Reddit showcase users complaining about Synapse taking up too much CPU and causing spikes in usage, leading to increased CPU temps.

While there are reports dating back a year, the issue still persists.

Razer Synapse causing 85% CPU spike after not using PC for a while? (WMI Provider Host issue)
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Apart from the performance issues, users often complain about the bloated nature of Synapse, leading to the software being labeled as ‘garbage’ or ‘terrible’ by some.

Third-party alternatives

Fortunately, some alternatives are available for users who are fed up with Synapse’s performance issues.

Third-party tools like OpenRGB, AutoHotkey, and SignalRGB offer similar functionality for tasks such as RGB control, macros, keybindings, and fan speed.

1. OpenRGB is a lightweight and free-to-use tool for RGB control on Razer devices.

Uninstall Synapse and use OpenRGB with other fan control software like FanControl. OpenRGB uses 0% CPU and like 5MB of RAM.
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2. AutoHotkey is a free and open-source tool for creating keyboard shortcuts, macros, and hotkeys.

3. SignalRGB is a freemium tool that offers similar RGB control for some supported Razer hardware.

I’ve had some luck with SignalRGB. You have to have some spare resources so it can run in the back ground, so same as Synapse, but seems to much more capable. You can also use Asus’s version or MSIs or several others. None of the manufacturers seem to have it right yet though. Below is the link for Signal if you want to check it out! It’s picked up all of my RGB across brands and tied them all together without a hitch, and has so e very cool animated wallpaper effects that tie in as well! I think Razer has started to Beta Test a similar wallpaper effect afyer seeing SignalRGBs. Good luck!
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It’s worth noting that using third-party tools may not offer the same level of integration and customization that Synapse does.

Still, it’s worth considering if you’re having issues with Synapse’s performance or simply don’t want to deal with its bloated nature.

That said, we also hope that Razer understands the plight of Synapse users and provides a solution to high CPU usage and temperature issues soon.

Until then, keep tabs on this story as we will post further updates here as and when they drop in.

05:55 pm (IST): The Razer Support team has recently acknowledged the issue on Twitter and claimed to be working on a fix which will be rolled out in a future Synapse update.

05:12 pm (IST): According to those affected, doing a GPU undervolt can be a temporary workaround to correct the high CPU usage.

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