What does over 100 % CPU mean in activity monitor?

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What does over 100 % CPU mean in activity monitor?

I have a music DAW app that is jumping between 100 % CPU and 290 % CPU not even running. It is the 500's when running. It is loaded with multiple tracks and plug ins and spiking on its own monitor. The Ram is fine. This is an iMac 4.2 gig quad core with i7. Is this something that would likely go away with a new Mac Studio M2 Max or is this possibly something else?

iMac 27″ 5K

Posted on Jun 21, 2023 12:45 PM

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Answer 1

Limnos

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Jun 21, 2023 12:47 PM in response to julia123

I am more familiar with older Macs and I believe on those each core is assigned 100%, so multi cores can have >100%

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Answer 2

julia123 Author

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Jun 22, 2023 11:06 AM in response to Limnos

Oh, that makes sense. This is a four core that still jumps up to the 500's but only for a bit. This is also while the fan is going full out. I am debating upgrading to the new Mac Studio Max assuming it will help but want to make sure I am not missing something.

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What does over 100 % CPU mean in activity monitor?

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