CPU usage gauge

[swak]

I have a gauge of CPU usage on my computer, and many times with the programs im running, it will be at 100%. Obviously i could cut down on the multi tasking, but would rather buy/upgrade something to make up for it.

What would help support this?
Ive already cut down on the startup programs.

Would a better processor help my cause?
Ram usage is about 40% at highest. So i doubt more ram will do anything.

Thanks in advance.

[Zero102]

Why don't you start by telling us some information about the system and what CPU meter you are using?

Many of them occupy quite a bit of CPU time themselves and inflate the usage figures as a result. Also, are you noticing any slow-down or are you just concerned because the meter is maxxed out? If it is not affecting your work then why bother spending money on upgrades. Plus, it's hard to recommend an upgrade without knowing what you already have ;)

[adam c]

running the CPU at 100% will eventually fry the processor

[mucat]

Originally posted by adam c
running the CPU at 100% will eventually fry the processor

And remember to change CPU oil every 6 months

[swak]

Running the gauge off the g15 keyboard.

Specs:
AMD 4000+ processor
ASUS A8N-SLI Motherboard
2 - EA CORSAIR 1GB RAM Modules
Western Digital RAPTOR 74GB Hard Drive (main)
SeaGate 300GB SATA Hard Drive (secondary)
LG 16X CD/DVD Burner
2 - EVGA NVIDIA 7800GTX video cards
Sound card, dont know.
Zalman case (600w power supply)

[mucat]

Hey, the new AMD X4 620 and 630 is only around $100. You can probably get a CPU and motherboard combo for $200. They should be great for multi-tasking.

[swak]

Originally posted by mucat
Hey, the new AMD X4 620 and 630 is only around $100. You can probably get a CPU and motherboard combo for $200. They should be great for multi-tasking.

Sweet. Ill look into it.

Its not really that im multi tasking hard eaither tho.
I have win media open, 2x mozilla, and thats about it and it goes up to 100% if theres a flash site.

[eblend]

CTRL+ALT+DEL, go to task manager, click on processes, sort by CPU and see what is eating up all your CPU....google the process name if it isn't obvious. If your computer is no older then like 3-4 years everything you described can easily be handled. My computer is like 4 years old and I still do everything on it without issues, including 1080p video playback..this is a laptop.

[seer_claw]

Originally posted by adam c
running the CPU at 100% will eventually fry the processor

So how come I've been running a processor at 100% doing Folding@Home for 6 years and it still seems to be running just fine? :rolleyes:

OP I'd suggest not running 2 mozilla browsers at the same time, you can do the same thing with tabs. I'd try to find out if there is any other software that is eating up your processor before upgrading.

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by eblend
CTRL+ALT+DEL, go to task manager, click on processes, sort by CPU and see what is eating up all your CPU....google the process name if it isn't obvious. If your computer is no older then like 3-4 years everything you described can easily be handled. My computer is like 4 years old and I still do everything on it without issues, including 1080p video playback..this is a laptop.

This.

100% usually mean your system is either rooted and got shit load of spyware.

[beyondpinoy]

Originally posted by mucat
Hey, the new AMD X4 620 and 630 is only around $100. You can probably get a CPU and motherboard combo for $200. They should be great for multi-tasking.

or even better, get a super cheap dual core would do fine too.. but for the price of a AMD x4, you might as well get a Quad..