Why "top" command shows cpu usage above 100% ?

Solution Unverified - Updated -

Issue

  • The VM is assiged 4 vCPUs.
  • How do to read the information when “top” command is run.
  • Is the %CPU for the top CPU, eg derived from Cpu0, Cpu1, Cpu2, and Cpu3?
  • Since 4 CPUs now and each can reach 100%, is it safe to say that the server will only consider peak when this number reaches
    400%? it is very common to notice the %CPU to shoot above 150-200%.

Environment

  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6

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