Reference Guide

514 Control Bar overview
Performance module
The Performance module lets you monitor your computer’s performance, including CPU, disk and
memory activity.
To show/hide the Performance module
Right-click the Control Bar and select Performance Module.
Figure 161. The Performance module.
A. CPU meters (one per core) B. Disk Activity indicator C. Disk Space meter D. Memory Usage meter
The Performance module contains the following controls:
• CPU meters. Displays the time it takes to process a buffer full of audio data as a percentage of
the maximum time available to process that data and maintain uninterrupted playback. There is
one CPU meter for each core in your computer, up to 32 cores. There is some tolerance built into
the meter, so it is possible that it will exceed 100% at times (more so during recording than
playback).
• Disk Activity indicator . Measures how much of the available time SONAR is using to
perform input/output functions on your hard disk. The size of your setup’s I/O buffer size (listed
under File System in Edit > Preferences > Audio - Sync and Caching) determines how much
time is allowed to perform disk operations and maintain uninterrupted playback. When SONAR
performs disk operations, the Disk Activity indicator changes color from yellow to red to indicate
the time SONAR is taking to complete each cycle of disk input/output. A red icon indicates very
high data activity.
• Disk Space meter. Shows the amount of available space on the drive where your wave data
directory is located. The tooltip shows the actual remaining disk space on your audio disk.
• Memory Usage (RAM) meter. Shows the total memory (RAM) usage by your computer, not just
Note: The width of the Performance module depends on the number of CPU cores available.
C
D
B
A
32 cores 4 cores