4
\$\begingroup\$

Wasn't sure if I should ask this question here or at another part of stackexchange, but I figured there would be more people using Lightroom here.

I just purchased a second monitor and have noticed that when I combine the second monitor with Lightroom my CPU usage goes up way way high, more than 100%!

I am using:

Macbook Pro 2009 OSX Lion 10.7 Lightroom 3.3

Is there anyone else experiencing this? Thanks

\$\endgroup\$
4
  • \$\begingroup\$ What resolution are you running the secondary monitor at? \$\endgroup\$
    – dpollitt
    Oct 26, 2011 at 1:23
  • \$\begingroup\$ It's 1920 x something. Sorry I am not currently using the monitor. \$\endgroup\$
    – rabbid
    Oct 26, 2011 at 1:51
  • 4
    \$\begingroup\$ Wish I could get more than 100% CPU usage out of my CPU! ;) Sorry, couldn't resist. \$\endgroup\$
    – seanmc
    Oct 26, 2011 at 3:34
  • \$\begingroup\$ Haha I know. Well I just read what the Activity Monitor says :) Should I reduce the resolution or something? \$\endgroup\$
    – rabbid
    Oct 26, 2011 at 8:32

1 Answer 1

1
\$\begingroup\$

The current version of Adobe Lightroom is 3.5, if you are on 3.3 I would first recommend updating to the 3.5 version.

The Macbook Pro mid-2009 13" model came with 2GB of ram standard, I would be worried that if you only have that installed, you are already at the minimum system requirements for Lightroom. To run Lightroom well I would personally recommend at least 4GB of ram, 8 if possible on a 64bit system. It is possible that your system may be trying to swap out physical memory with the swap file and that would increase your processor usage I believe.

Another question I have, is that you stated that your CPU usage is over 100%. What exactly is happening on your PC that has you concerned? Is the actual performance of Lightroom poor?

To help diagnose I would turn off all other applications after restarting the machine, and make sure it isn't an issue after a restart. This may help to find a memory leak within the application. If you are still having issues with Lightroom, I think your best bet is the Adobe Forums.

\$\endgroup\$
3
  • \$\begingroup\$ Thanks for your reply! Fortunately I do have 4GB of DDR3 installed :) My concern is when I start using dual monitor Lightroom the laptop's fan starts spinning real hard, which means it's hot inside. I'm afraid of overheating. Is that silly? I will try updating to the latest Lightroom. Thank you! \$\endgroup\$
    – rabbid
    Oct 28, 2011 at 0:46
  • \$\begingroup\$ I wouldn't worry about the fan, if it is running, that means it is doing its job. It's when your computer is working really hard and your fan doesn't kick on that I would start to worry! Like I am saying, 8GB would be better, and a non-laptop would also be better. Dual high resolution monitors, and large image editing on a laptop isn't exactly casual use, it is quite demanding! \$\endgroup\$
    – dpollitt
    Oct 28, 2011 at 1:40
  • \$\begingroup\$ Hahah yeah I suppose so. My laptop's res is only 1280x800 though. In any case, maybe I should get an iMac or a Mac Mini... \$\endgroup\$
    – rabbid
    Oct 28, 2011 at 1:50

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.