Setting Maximum cpu usage for a program

[Miramonti]

Using WinXP, is there a way to run a program while setting cpu resources allowed for it at a maximum of say, 50%? Unfortunately there's no option in the software.

 

[stevewm]

You can't set it via percents, but you can however set the priority.

Hit CTRL+ALT+DEL to bring up task manager, goto the Processes tab, find the process you want to change right click on it and goto the Set Priority menu, and take your pick. The lower the priority of a program, the less CPU power the OS will give it, Low will allow like 70% max, but if a process with a higher priority needs more CPU power, it will be taken from the process you just set to low.

 

[Miramonti]

thx stevewrn. I'm familiar with the priorities - maybe that's the route I'm going to have to go then.

 

[Nothinman]

The OS measures process CPU time in just that, time, not percentage.

 

[Miramonti]

Some video encoding programs have such a setting. Its awesome because it allows a normal priority while not hijacking the cpu. There must be an explanation how this is done.