uptime command and cpu threshold

[csgonan]

I was told that if I have a server with 4 cpus, my uptime command shows (load average: 0.81, 0.79, 0.77,) when my cpus have reached their capacity. For example, if the figures show 4.00 or above, my cpu is maxed and needs to wait for processes to complete in order to process more.

I am having a hard time finding information on this.

Thank you in advance for any assistance.

 

[elgrandeperro]

uptime was written when there weren't multiprocessor systems. It is a indicator of number of processes on the run queue averaged over a finite time, so 4 or above probably would not be good.

I like to use orca to give me a picture/graph of system usage, and I am sure there are other packages that do the same.

 

[Annihilannic]

Personally I consider any load average figure under 2 x #CPUs to be okay.

Annihilannic.