I knew VPN processing was intensive, but not that much. Do you use NordVPN with NordLynk protocol enabled? If so, do you use Quick Connect for fastest server select? I do and it picks the Chicago server, which is about 40-miles away. My ISP, comcast, is pretty good, as long as they aren't shot-gunning infrastructure. I use an ASUS a GT-AXE11000 that has a 4-core CPU which has handled everything I've tossed at it so far. I'd like to know more about your kit to get an idea about why your line performance is so good, Junky.