Compiz cpu usage high when moving windows

[nuttzo33]

Steps to reproduce:

1.Close down all apps so you start with minimal programs running.
2.Open 2 terminal windows side by side.
3.Write "top" in one of the windows.
4.Drag the other windows around.

What should happen:

Compiz should not take up alot of cpu

What does happen:

Compiz causes Cpu spikes and is abnormally high.

This happens on both Nvidia and Nouveau drivers.I am running precise up to date with the latest compiz from proposed (1:0.9.7.6-0ubuntu2) and i have a core 15-2500k cpu.
I have uploaded a video to show.

[Evren Yurtesen (eyurtese-g)]

In my case compiz uses up to 50% CPU only for moving the mouse cursor... Do you see the same?

[Launchpad Janitor (janitor)]

Status changed to 'Confirmed' because the bug affects multiple users.

[misteraph (laporte-raphael)]

Same problem for me.

[Ehale (simonazzi)]

Same here. Fresh install of Ubuntu on AMD E2 Vision with AMD radeon graphics. Compiz-check reports that everything is ok to run compiz in my netbook. I'm using the latest version of the Catalyst drivers (http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/linux/Pages/radeon_linux.aspx),. I've also installed Compiz Config Settings and have turn off all the unnecessary plugings.
however with just a movement of a window, compiz raise up to 70% cpu usage.

[Daniel van Vugt (vanvugt)]

shayne,

Is this still an issue for you?

If so, please run:
    apport-collect 988713
to automatically upload details about your system to this bug report.

[Walter-simonazzi (walter-simonazzi)]

Daniel,

I'm experiencing exactly the same issue as shown in the video above. Can you confirm that it is a bug or it is maybe a configuration issue? I can't imagine anything more to do/check in my laptop, and however, compiz still behaving as shown in the video.

[James Christie (james-aaron-christie)]

This bug also affects me, and I can confirm the exact same symptoms with 12.10, latest compiz and unity. I'm using the nvidia-current package (304.48). I'd love to help contribute system configs/logs/etc or anything else that might help, though apport-collect won't let me submit to this bug.

[Anthony Wertz (anthony-wertz)]

This bug affects me using Ubuntu 12.10 (updated) in VirtualBox 4.1.20 with guest additions. I do not believe this issue was present in 12.04 as a guest OS even when using Unity 3D (I never noticed the symptoms).

[Daniel van Vugt (vanvugt)]

If you're using LLVMpipe graphics in a VM, please subscribe to bug 1025586 instead.

[Raymond Wells (rfw2nd)]

For me, the following workaround worked on both my systems (ATI fglrx driver, AMD Radeon HD 2600XT, AMD RadeonHD 4600 on fglrx)
I am using the fglrx-legacy ppa, but it will likely work on newer drivers.

1. Install compizconfig-settings-manager.
2. Launch compizconfig settings manager (ccsm)
3. Go to "OpenGL", disable "Sync to VBlank"
4. Go to "Workarounds", enable "Don't wait for video sync"
5. Run the AMD Catalyst Control Center (amdcccle)
6. Go to Display Options>Tear Free on the left panel; enable Tear-Free desktop, click Apply.
7. Go to 3D>More Settings. Under Wait for Vertical Refresh, set it to 'Off unless application specifies.', click Apply.
8. Click 'Ok'.
9. Log out and log back in.

You can confirm the workaround by opening a terminal window, typing 'top' and pressing enter, then opening up another application and moving it around as suggested by shayne.

I am getting about 11% CPU usage in top whilst moving windows, vs about 89-95% before the workaround, and am not seeing any tearing. (CPU usage is about 20% on my laptop with the HD4670 because it has a less powerful CPU).

[Daniel van Vugt (vanvugt)]

You should keep an eye on bug 1027211. One fix has been implemented so far with more to come. And they improve performance on all drivers. Not just nvidia (which is most affected).

[Launchpad Janitor (janitor)]

[Expired for compiz (Ubuntu) because there has been no activity for 60 days.]

[Launchpad Janitor (janitor)]

[Expired for Compiz because there has been no activity for 60 days.]