If it’s funky little graphs you’re after, then look no further than the Performance tab. This tab displays graphical information about Page File and CPU utilization, proving a quick view of how these system resources are performing. While you need not be alarmed by any small spikes that occur when running a busy application, sustained high percentages may be indicative of the need for more memory or a faster CPU. If you’re consistently up above 70% CPU utilization, for example, it’s probably time to start shopping for a faster system. If the Page File size if large (or the Physical Memory section shows little to no memory under Available), it’s a good bet that you need to add more RAM.
For more granular measurements, the View menu allows you to change the update speed of the graphs, monitor multiple CPU systems, and turn on the Show Kernel Times option. When Show Kernel Times is selected, the graphs will provide an addition red line that allows you to view resources being used by core operating system processes.
