CPU Usage--what is "normal" at idle?

Question

Level 1

39 points

CPU Usage--what is "normal" at idle?

Hello,

When I run activity monitor at idle, the % user CPU usage shows at 99%. Activity monitor shows as using the most % CPU at 1.10. % System shows at 1%.

Why is the computer running at an apparent 50% of available CPU at idle? Is this normal?

MacBook Pro 2.16 Intel Core Duo Mac OS X (10.4.8) 2 gig RAM

Posted on Dec 14, 2006 4:13 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Adam Wolkoff Author

Level 1

39 points

Dec 14, 2006 5:23 PM in response to JimUrban

Thanks Jim,

Your post got me thinking. Another thread referenced a utility called applejack
http://applejack.sourceforge.net/

I ran that, and cleared out all the cache files. Now both user and system CPU usage is around 1% at idle.

I guess I'll add applejack to the regular maintenance schedule.

ASW

Reply

Answer 2

JimUrban

Level 4

2,590 points

Dec 14, 2006 4:31 PM in response to Adam Wolkoff

No,it's not normal.Look in Activity Monitor again.What proccess's are using the most CPU?

Jim

PowerBook G3 500 Mhz "Pismo"/ 2.0Ghz BlackBook 2GB OWC RAM Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Reply

Answer 3

Adam Wolkoff Author

Level 1

39 points

Dec 14, 2006 5:24 PM in response to Adam Wolkoff

Used applejack to wipe cache files, etc. now runs right.

Reply

Answer 4

JimUrban

Level 4

2,590 points

Dec 14, 2006 6:17 PM in response to Adam Wolkoff

Good Deal.Glad AppleJack did the trick.

Jim

PowerBook G3 500 Mhz "Pismo"/ 2.0Ghz BlackBook 2GB OWC RAM Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Reply