CPU utilization is typically used to track CPU performance regressions or improvements when running a specific piece of code. Say a company is working on a beta of their product called “Foo.” In the first test run of Foo a few weeks ago, they recorded an average CPU utilization of 25% while Foo was executing. However, in the latest build the average CPU utilization during the test run is measured at 75%. Sounds like something’s gone awry. [Note: In the screenshot above, CPU utilization is shown as a percentage in the top left. The two graphs on the top right show a short history of CPU usage for two cores. Each core gets its own graph in Task Manager.]

More info: WSP team blog