Bug 510444 - Workqueue hogging CPU, consider changing to WQ_UNBOUND; causing multiple stutters.
Summary: Workqueue hogging CPU, consider changing to WQ_UNBOUND; causing multiple stut...
Status: RESOLVED WAITINGFORINFO
Alias: None
Product: kde
Classification: I don't know
Component: general (other bugs)
Version First Reported In: unspecified
Platform: Kubuntu Linux
: NOR normal
Target Milestone: ---
Assignee: Unassigned bugs
URL:
Keywords:
Depends on:
Blocks:
 
Reported: 2025-10-10 01:47 UTC by brahm.wn
Modified: 2025-10-11 06:46 UTC (History)
1 user (show)

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Description brahm.wn 2025-10-10 01:47:11 UTC
SUMMARY
    I have had an issue for a while, and it causes my desktop to freeze for a split second, with the audio also becoming bitcrushed and compressed. Every time these issues occur, the following error message appears in ksystemlog: 

    workqueue: pm_runtime_work hogged CPU for >10000us 67 times, consider switching to WQ_UNBOUND

    Due to the issue appearing around 1 month ago, I am unsure if this issue was caused by a bad update or modification.

    I have attempted to ask about this issue on Ask ubuntu, and Linux questions. I attempted the fixes in ask ubuntu to no avail. I then asked about this issue on Linux question, which directed me here. Both of these question's links are in the ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section.

    Strangely, the issue is sometimes not as bad on a few boots, but worse on some others.

STEPS TO REPRODUCE
1. Boot up laptop.
2. Do any activity.
3. Receive occasionally stuttering or bitcrushed audio, sometimes with a stuttered display.

OBSERVED RESULT
Bitcrushed/compressed audio every ~50 seconds, display occasionally stutters when the audio issue occurs.

EXPECTED RESULT
Normal audio with non-stuttering display.

SOFTWARE/OS VERSIONS
Kubuntu 24.04.03 LTS
Linux Kernel: 6.14.0-33-generic
KDE Plasma Version: 5.27.12 
KDE Frameworks Version: 5.115.0
Qt Version: 5.15.13

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Full system information (inxi): https://pastebin.com/5e4fQdfQ
Ask ubuntu: https://askubuntu.com/questions/1556909/ubuntu-24-04-occasional-stuttering-in-audio-latency-due-to-workqueue
Linux Questions: https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-newbie-8/workqueue-hogging-the-cpu-causing-multiple-stutters-4175754797/
Comment 1 David Edmundson 2025-10-10 14:19:15 UTC
Sorry to bump you around even further, but if audio is sticking that means the problem is lower down than at a KDE level. Your kernel is getting jammed up with stuff. 

Check plasma-systemmonitor / top   hopefully that can show which processes are using up CPU and give you some lead.
Comment 2 brahm.wn 2025-10-11 06:46:18 UTC
(In reply to David Edmundson from comment #1)
> Sorry to bump you around even further, but if audio is sticking that means
> the problem is lower down than at a KDE level. Your kernel is getting jammed
> up with stuff. 
> 
> Check plasma-systemmonitor / top   hopefully that can show which processes
> are using up CPU and give you some lead.

I have tried to use the GNOME desktop environment and somehow it completely eliminated my hogging issue, which means that this most likely has something to do with plasma. I am going to attempt to change to a fresh user as of tomorrow, as I do not have much free time.