"top" cpu usage

edgjerp · 11-12-2005, 04:32 AM

from time to time, I notice that the "top" utility uses whatever it can get of my cpu. unless something else is competing for cpu time, I see 85-100% used by top. it drops to around 50% when I install software or something else that uses the cpu a lot. as a comparison, X mostly stays below 10% (rapid skipping between my windows increases that of course)

has anyone heard of this before? what can I do?

AMD Athlon XP 2500+
1 GB Ram,
Mandriva 2006

spooon · 11-12-2005, 05:15 AM

Yes, "top" uses a lot of CPU because it needs to constantly monitor the CPU and memory levels, etc. It doesn't hinder other programs or anything; if you don't like it, just don't run it.

syg00 · 11-12-2005, 05:21 AM

Yep - you can't measure it without using it ...