130% CPU Usage - Safe?

[michael.lauden]

Hey everyone - i downloaded a 2:00 minute trailer from iTunes.

I watched it in Quicktime on my 1.66GHz Mac mini (2GB of RAM) running OS X 10.4.11

I figured the 720p HD format would tax the slow(er) processor pretty bad but did not expect it to max at 130%.

when music wasn't playing (aka dialog with ambience in the background) it would go down to around 68% usage

and then when music kicked back in on a big montage - it went up to 130.2%.


while everything did not lag (and i understand dual core processors are able to go above 100%) i was wondering if it would be safe to watch actual movies on the thing?


could a mac mini handle 130% processing power for +2.5 hours???

 

[Undecided]

could a mac mini handle 130% processing power for +2.5 hours???

Sure. Bear in mind that 130% means 65% (or so) of each processor.

I've run my laptop at 200% for days, converting video with Handbrake.

 

[michael.lauden]

Sure. Bear in mind that 130% means 65% (or so) of each processor.

I've run my laptop at 200% for days, converting video with Handbrake.

that makes me feel a lot better. i just guess i should keep tabs on how hot everything is running right?

maybe keep the mini in an area that isn't enclosed?

 

[crazzyeddie]

In general, keep it in an area where the fan can blow the heat out the back and get a supply of cool air.

The computer will turn itself off if it gets too hot under normal conditions!

 

[Undecided]

Operating temperature: 50° to 95° F (10° to 35° C)
Storage temperature: -40° to 116° F (-40° to 47° C)
Relative humidity: 5% to 95% noncondensing
Maximum altitude: 10,000 feet

Basically, just make sure the vents aren't blocked, as you should with all electronics. No need to monitor it.

If it gets too hot, it will freeze (mmmm....rather appropriate term).

Work that li'l sucker!

 

[michael.lauden]

haha ok... well i figure i'll keep it 2-3" away from a wall or something so if the fan kicks into high gear it won't blow the hot air right back in...

the first HD movie i rent - i'm still going to go ahead and open dashboard like every 30 minutes and write down the heat and cpu usage just to be safe.

but if all goes well (which i'm sure it will be) i will post the temps on here and after i feel safe, i'll go ahead and watch another movie without checking


i just don't like the feeling of my favorite computer overheating and turning off... the logic board was replaced within the first 3 months of use by the original owner's applecare so i guess that just makes me a little weary!


if anyone has experienced (and gotten through) high cpu usage i'd love to hear about it!!

 

[darkcurse]

Don't have to be paranoid. I remember trying to run Folding@home for a whole 2 weeks straight. My MBP was hot throughout but it survived

 

[Gallomimia]

You're fine. Remember that a dual core system has an available 200% cpu usage. So you're running well under the max. Compare the idle% to the user and system amounts (These should total 100 no matter how many cpu's you have) You'll see you're not even using 3/4 of the available power. You should be able to run it at full bore for days and days without problems, unless you live in a very hot region with no air conditioning. As long as your room is comfortable and the air circulation is good, ie no papers, gym clothes, or dirty dishes blocking the air vents. (AND DUST! Clean your friggin macs out people!) Then there's no trouble at all.

And as others have said, if your mac detects an unsafe temperature in one of its components, it will simply shut off. Not a soft shut down either. Immediate and uncontrollable power off. So, assuming you haven't seen that happen, everything is fine. Watch movies, play games, whore your CPU out to science projects.

Wow you're concerned at 130%? That's funny really. I bet your fan's not even at max speed yet.

 

[GGJstudios]

You're fine.

Note the date of the thread you just resurrected.