System using 70% CPU

[Leukeh]

Occasionally my CPU slows down a whole lot... I've always wondered why, because I don't have any computer intensive programs open... I got iStat just yesterday and today my started going slow, as it does and I took a look at the CPU thing and it said the system was using around 70% and user around 30%. Nice (whatever that is) and Idle are both on 0%.

I have MSN, iTunes, Firefox and Transmission open. Why is my system using so much CPU?

 

[BlackCivic]

To be honest it could be any number of things... My suggestion is to go to utilities > activity monitor which will let you know exactly which application or process taking up that 70% cpu utilization or memory...

 

[XJ-linux]

SystemServerSync is a process that kicks in for iCalon mine and drives up CPU usage occasionally. Also, I've noticed Firefox on my MB can kick up quite a mess when I leave it open for days on webpages that do alot of refreshing. Case in point the zap2it.com TV listing website seems to hit me pretty hard when I leave it open in a tab. Every 20 minutes or so the flash based add's refresh and it drives the cpu and memory up alot, kicking in the fan. Activity Monitor is still the best way to find out as others have said.
-Dave

 

[mac57]

XJ-linux, love your system specs! Apple IIe, 0 GB HDD, 5.25" floppy - excellent! That is one powerhouse of a machine!!

 

[XJ-linux]

Thanks Mac57. Only problem is that it burns alot of oil and needs regular undercoating to prevent rust.
-Dave