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Optimizing iTunes

post #1 of 5
11/8/02 at 9:56pm
Thread Starter 
  • Spart
  • Beloved Local Storyteller
iTunes (and other MP3 playing apps) can really suck some CPU and system resources in Mac OS X, which is especially noticeable when you have a G3 iMac or another slower system (I have the slowest of them all, almost, a 233MHz G3 iMac.)

The ways I keep iTunes from killing my computer's usability (or what resemblance of usability it has) in OS X are pretty simple, I get a playlist going, then close the iTunes window (it conveniently reappears when you click the icon in the Dock or switch to it.) I also keep all of the effects off, including the equalizer. This is pretty important, even a simple bass boost can be a drag on the CPU.

Anyone else have any tips/tricks to get iTunes or other MP3 apps (especially Audion) from killing Mac OS X?

Currently iTunes is only sucking 25% CPU on my pathetic proc, about as much as OmniWeb.

[ 11-09-2002: Message edited by: Spart ]</p>
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post #2 of 5
11/8/02 at 10:35pm
You can make it nicer using renice... though music may start getting choppy...

renice +integer &lt;PID&gt;

is how it is done, integer is -20 - +20, where +20 is nicest (taking least cpu use), and PID can be gotten in top or ps or something like that...

Not sure about your emphasis on leaving the equalizer off, I never use mine... iTunes takes 7% on my DP1250 (really 3.5%) and a little under 100% with visulas on (50% really...)... stupid slow visuals... I do like the "sound enhancement" processing though, just a little bit.

[ 11-09-2002: Message edited by: chych ]</p>
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post #3 of 5
11/9/02 at 12:05am
On my TiBook 667 512 RAM iTunes suckes between 15 and 30% while using a small window (clicking the green button). Of course I use the equalizer and sound enhancer option on. However, if I use another process intensive app, iTunes sucks less CPU cycles. I guess because it has priority 0.

With Equalizer off it takes between 9 and 13% (with some peeks at 30% now and then). If I close the window completely it draws arround 10 % give and take a few percent (give, not take).

Looking forward to my new Gigaherz Ti with Superdrive come this february!

.:BoeManE:.
In the real world, ignorance is truly a bliss.
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In the real world, ignorance is truly a bliss.
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post #4 of 5
11/9/02 at 9:41am
Thread Starter 
  • Spart
  • Beloved Local Storyteller
You people out there with G4's aren't exactly my target audience (especially that dual 1.25.) I am talking really slow computers here, people.

Anyway, closing the window and leaving the equalizer off is the only way to keep my computer usable (i.e, not too much lag when typing or clicking a menu.) What seems to slow it down the most is iTunes' interface, and all the scrolling stuff that my G3 has to draw even if iTunes is hidden.

OS X is awesome, but it can really be taxing when it comes to stuff like this...
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post #5 of 5
11/9/02 at 11:53am
[quote]Originally posted by chych:
<strong>You can make it nicer using renice... though music may start getting choppy...

renice +integer &lt;PID&gt;

is how it is done, integer is -20 - +20, where +20 is nicest (taking least cpu use), and PID can be gotten in top or ps or something like that...

Not sure about your emphasis on leaving the equalizer off, I never use mine... iTunes takes 7% on my DP1250 (really 3.5%) and a little under 100% with visulas on (50% really...)... stupid slow visuals... I do like the "sound enhancement" processing though, just a little bit.

[ 11-09-2002: Message edited by: chych ]</strong><hr></blockquote>


I think, that 7% and 100% are the actual real processor load. If it takes more than one whole processor it will start doing 120% and stuff like that. I could be wrong though...
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