The biggest file I had handy is 1GB, and it took 15 seconds to process using wc -l big.dat and uses ~5% cpu.

Based on that, your 17GB should take ~4 1/2 mins and the small one ~3/4 min, and the cpu usage of 5%-10% is typical for an IO bound program.

My guess is that you're using more memory than your machine has available and have therefore moved into thrashing.

Whether this is a problem depends upon your urgency and expectations.

With the rise and rise of 'Social' network sites: 'Computers are making people easier to use everyday'
Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.
"Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority".
In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice.

In reply to Re: Is 100% CPU utilisation during a procees is aproblem? by BrowserUk
in thread Is 100% CPU utilisation during a procees is aproblem? by Ankur_kuls

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