Forum Discussion
Carlows
Oct 21, 2023Copper Contributor
CPU Usage x System Idle Process
Hey guys,
Could anyone help me understand the CPU consumption of this server?
The Windows Task Manager signals a 100% CPU consumption with a 50% "System Idle Process" "consumption", what should I consider as real usage?
Is there any risk to the process and/or the system?
Process Explorer x Task Manager.
Nagios
iDrack view
- displayobjectCopper ContributorDon't worry, Microsoft is moonlighting mining on your computer.
- LeonPavesicSilver Contributor
Hi Carlows,
The System Idle Process in Windows Task Manager is a bit confusing. It's not actually using CPU resources, but rather represents the percentage of CPU that is currently not being used. In other words, it's a measure of how much of your CPU is idle and available for other tasks.
If you see the System Idle Process at 50%, that means your CPU is only using 50% of its processing power, and 50% is idle. When the overall CPU usage is 100%, that means the entire CPU is being used. However, the System Idle Process isn't using any of it; it's just showing you the percentage of CPU that is currently doing nothing.
There's no risk associated with the System Idle Process. It's an essential part of the Windows operating system that manages the CPU when it's not actively engaged in tasks. If you have high CPU usage from other processes, that's where you should investigate to determine if there are issues that need addressing.
To understand what is causing high CPU usage and if there's any risk to your system, look at the other processes in the Task Manager. Sort them by CPU usage to identify which one is consuming the most CPU. If you identify any process consuming a high percentage of CPU, investigate it further to determine if it's a legitimate application or if it needs to be terminated or uninstalled.
In short, the System Idle Process is nothing to worry about. It's just a measure of how much of your CPU is not currently being used. If you're seeing high CPU usage, it's more likely due to another process.
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Kindest regards,
Leon Pavesic
(LinkedIn)- pfftwhatev530Copper Contributor
LeonPavesic This makes sense until you factor in the CPU column on the Processes tab. While System Idle Process shows 30% (or whatever) the CPU column on the Processes tab shows 100% (say for instance right after you boot). If System Idle Process always shows the % of CPU not being used, CPU on the Processes should always be 100%. But that's the not the case. I can see, and do agree, that System Idle Process is the delta of CPU not being used but I would expect that if the CPU column in processes is 100% indicating the CPU is, in fact, fully utilized then System Idle Process under Details should 0%. I'm sure I'm missing something but at present it's not adding up.