Optimizing iTunes
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>
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>
Comments
renice +integer <PID>
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>
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:.
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...
<strong>You can make it nicer using renice... though music may start getting choppy...
renice +integer <PID>
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...