CPU (as measured by sysmetrix)???

from WinCustomize Forums
I knew about RAM and how much better my comp would run with it (especially for the graphics programs). So I bought two 512 RAM chips and installed them (I was afraid of breaking my comp, shaking and sweating like anything). The comp registers that I have that much RAM, occasionally I dip into it by one or two hundred, so I think I must have done it right (it took quite a few tries and about an hour). BUt still things are not as smooth as I expected. One thing that I notice is that the majority of the time on sysmetrix and other meters CPU registers 100. What does that mean?

When I had only 256 RAM, I had about the same programs running. I keep my comp running most of the time (I am doing that smallpox unfolding to find a cure for smallpox), I recently dropped dial-up and got cable (RR).

Also, when I had 256 RAM, a few times XP kicked in to change file size. I have tried looking into properties to see if I can reset that to default, but it does not look like that is a problem

The problem is mostly that when working in document folders, upon deleting, the comp sometimes freezes.

Also, I recently discovered how to use tab launchpad and love it. But on deleting icons, the comp freezes as well.
4,459 views 18 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
mem. install must be fine if it shows it (would have fried if you hadn't) CPU rdg @ 100 usually means some app. running in bkground. Open taskmgr and see what apps. are running (sysmetrix should be one) Disable any apps. 1 by 1 until your cpu drops. The app that drops your reading is the CPU hog. If the reading of 100 is correct (and I will assume it is) your CPU Die temp is running very high...not good

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Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
That is the funny thing, I call up the task manager and it shows few things reunning. Even things I know should show. Sometimes when it is stuck and I am closing down, a program shows up as 'closing' even when I closed it long since.

I am the only person that is running this comp, there are no partitions, it is fairly new (pentium 4, 1.8 ghz, 40 gb harddrive...

thanks for your input!
Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
UM, I looked at the CPU use and the IE add-on (my IE) is very high, it is even 503 on the GDI. I like it, but I could do without it. (I get the 100% CPU regardless sometimes).
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
as a reference Cpu should run @100% when you're using (or loading) an active app and should run @ approx.5% when idle. If you're getting close to that you're fine Some programs reset when you run another program(IE messenger and MSN Explorer is a good example..thanks Bill Gates) I don't think you have any gremlins in your machine. With a 1.8 Intel and a gb of mem. you should be humming right alone.

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Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks for your advice. I turned things off through the task manager, processes tab and it seems to be the smallpox thing. I will write them. Otherwise it is running 100% almost all the time.

I wanted to think I was doing something good in this world....

Anyway, thanks a lot!
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
.... you made me feel good that I didn't mess up getting that memory in. I thought I messed up big-time.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
(I am doing that smallpox unfolding to find a cure for smallpox)
This is whats causing it...Distributed Computing clients such as this make use of your CPU idle time.
In other words when ever your computer isnt needing the processor this program will use it and use as much as it can get.
As soon as you open a program and start using it the DC client will scale its CPU use back so as to not interfere with what you are doing.

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Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
goodmorphing,

I use MyIE2 and it really only approaches 100% of the CPU when first starting the program (like many other programs). It then uses minimal CPU power.

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Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Not real sure what this smallpox thing is...my gig is on the hardware end not the software. Having said that, anything that uses 100% of CPU constantly is not a good thing. As an example, you can run your car at full bore in neutral and then let up to put in drive when you want to move ( maybe also full out ). This all works except for the fact your car isn't likely to last long. Hardcore gamers or graphics apps many times require extra CPU cooling for that very reason. I bring this up in this forum only because most skinners use intensive graphics apps.and an overheated and overused CPU caused by background apps. will present lag and in some cases 'freeze' in the very app. you want to use.

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Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
yrag: as long as you have a cooling solution that keeps your processor within Intel/AMD specs for your processor then you can flog it as hard as you like...there are no moving parts here. An AMD AthlonXP/MP processor is 'safe' up to 80°C thats its burnout point. As long as you keep it a safe margin under that (my dual AthlonMP 2000+'s run at ~56°C under full load and that's overclocked from 1800+, having two AMD ovens in one case produces a lot of heat) it will last you the 25 years that they are expected to last according to AMD. If you use the heatsink/fan combo that comes with the CPU you will have no problems...unless your computer is in a particularly warm environment or you are into overclocking in which case get a better one. Sorry but comparing a CPU to a car is like comparing a pig and a snake...there is no comparison.

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Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks, everyone. Trying to maintain a computer alone and still upgrade it is nervewracking for a novice like me... this helps a lot!
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
% of CPU is the number of hits it is taking, tying it up, if you hit 100% something is eating your clock cycles up...

mmmm, Windows nt - xp run taskmanager and you can see exactly what is doing it and work from there....


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Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
you know I thought the smallpox thing (and other 'use your computer while your not') program cut on when you are not one your computer or you haven't done anything for a while. Like when the screensaver comes one. And even then why use 100% of your CPU?

BTW this is why i love sysmetrix and DX cause you can really "watch" you computer. everything from temps to CPU cycles.

great asset for anyone. even for nebie computer owners or unknowledgable computer users.
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The only thing is, even though my comp is running at 100% all the time, I still don't have the heart to stop.... if I could help more even in some small way... I would do anything I could. Maybe when smallpox stops, but what is next... VX?
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
jtb: Like when the screensaver comes one. And even then why use 100% of your CPU?


for the smallpox project I have stopped my screensavers, stopped turning off my comp while I sleep. I am so worried about life right now!
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Glad to here your memory upgrade was sucessful...I knew you could do it.
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
>> jtb: Like when the screensaver comes one. And even then why use 100% of your CPU?

Why? because all the DC client is doing is number crunching...lots and lots of number crunching...if you arent using your computer and its running it will use all available power to crunch said numbers.

most programs you use day to day spend most of their time idle...not in the case of a DC Client it runs at low priority all the time using as much power as it can...low priority means that it sits around looking for scraps of cpu time it can snatch. Some DC Clients have options to only run as a screensaver.

I have a dual system and when i run a DC Client it pushes both my CPU's to 100%

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Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
maybe if it didn't use all of the CPU... I mean does it have to? that way, if there are problems with the chip running at 100% all the time, it won't damage your computer.

3 or 4 hours I think is fine. i have played games and consturucted VR sets using 100% CPU for that amount of time and no problem.


I was thinking about doing this number crunching thing too. I think it is cool to help out especailly when all your really doing is sharing CPU time cycles.