Low CPU Performance and Slow Scanning Issues

Overview

Learn what the Low CPU Performance warning means, how to quickly stabilize scanning, and when to contact Support.

What this warning means

During scanning, the 3Shape software monitors your computer’s processor (CPU) performance. If the CPU runs slower than expected for an extended period, you may see a Low CPU Performance warning and notice that the live scan preview becomes slow or choppy.

In most cases, this is related to computer performance, power settings, or system load, rather than a problem with the scanner itself.

A practical indicator is the CPU speed during scanning: if the CPU speed frequently stays below about 2 GHz during scanning, the computer may not be running at optimal performance.

Resolution Steps

Step 1: Restart your computer

• Restart your PC completely (do not just close the lid).
• Once Windows finishes loading, open 3Shape Unite and try a short scan again.
• Restarting clears temporary processes and can restore stable performance.

Step 2: Connect the original power charger

• Make sure your computer is connected to power and that Windows shows the device is charging.
• Using a non-original or low-power charger can reduce computer performance, especially during scanning.

Ensure the plug is fully plugged in.

Step 3: Ensure proper ventilation

Place your computer on a hard, flat surface and make sure the ventilation openings are not blocked.

Avoid placing the computer on soft surfaces such as:

• carpets  
• towels  
• cushions  
• enclosed cabinets 

Proper airflow helps prevent overheating and performance drops.

Ensure that nothing blocks any of the laptop’s airflow vents.

Step 4: Check for dust around vents

Dust around air vents or fan openings can reduce cooling efficiency.

• If visible dust is present, carefully clean the vents from the outside.
• If the device is older or heavily dusty, cleaning by an IT technician may help.

The laptop has enough space on the rear side for airflow. It is recommended to keep the device at least 0.5m from the wall and ensure that nothing blocks the airflow on the sides.

An example of wrong PC placement (the towel blocks the bottom airflow, and the wall near the rear side of the PC prevents good air circulation).

Step 5: Close unnecessary programs

Close applications you do not need during scanning, such as:

• web browsers with many tabs 
• video or streaming apps 
• screen recording tools 
• remote desktop software 

Running fewer programs allows the computer to focus on scanning.

Step 6: Check CPU speed during a short test scan

You can quickly check CPU speed using Task Manager.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc 
• Open the Performance tab 
• Select CPU 

Run a short scan for 15–30 seconds and observe the Speed value.

If the CPU speed often stays below ~2 GHz, your computer may be limiting performance.

The CPU speed should be above 3 GHz during scanning.

If the Warning Continues

If scanning still feels slow after trying the steps above, please contact 3Shape Support.

When contacting support, please include:

• Your TRIOS scanner model 
• Your 3Shape Unite version 
• Your computer model, service tag and Windows version 
• Confirmation that the computer was plugged in during scanning 
• A Task Manager screenshot showing CPU speed during scanning 

This information helps the support team investigate the issue more efficiently.

FAQ

Q: Is my scanner broken?

A: Usually not. In most cases, the warning is caused by computer performance or system load, not by the scanner itself. 

Q: Why does this happen more often on battery power?

A: Many laptops reduce CPU speed when running on battery to conserve energy and reduce heat.

Connecting the charger usually restores full performance.

Q: Can I use any charger?

A: It is recommended to use the original charger or one with the correct power rating from the manufacturer.

Lower-power chargers may limit system performance.

Contact 3Shape Support if you have any further questions.

For full information on correct usage, consult the official Safety and Setup Guide and the most current Manual.