Neville on Telegram provided me something to try affecting the kernel scheduler.
In /etc/sysctl.conf add kern.scheduler.steal_thresh=1
It seems to have done the trick. Posting in case it will help anyone else.

I actually prefer forums over 'interactive' help. I'm sad with the current deterioration of most forums (not just PC oriented, but gardening,etc). That being said, I'll throw a plea out on Telegram. I have 24 GB of memory on a fairly powerful desktop (8 core AMD of about 3 years of age) with both SS...

Ok, after some years, I decided yesterday that I should try a BSD desktop. I chose (wait for it....) GhostBSD based primarily on booting it up and what it looked like (superficially) in the live environment. So...I have some questions that since I don't have any real BSD experience (been years since...