How to use SetPriority - Overclock.net

Roke · 12-30-08

The goal of this how-to is to show you how to set up and configure SetPriority. SetPriority can be run in both XP and Vista and Windows 7 (thanks gibby, grunion and Tufelhunden).

Quote:

SetPriority is a Windows utility that will let you specify beforehand which priority you want your processes to have. Whenever a program is started that you have specified, SetPriority will adjust that program's priority automatically.

SetPriority will sit in your System Tray and watch running processes. When a process matches one on its list, SetPriority will adjust the priority of that process automatically.

SetPriority is very commonly used by folders because it will keep the priority of a certain process even when that process is terminated and restarted. For example, you need the priority of the GPU cliet set to high because you also fold with the CPU client. But everytime you change the priority in the taskmanager you find that the process resets back to idle/low when you finish a work unit (wu). That's because when the client is done it shuts down the GPU core process then restarts it for another wu. The cool thing about SetPriority is that it has Priority Presets, in other words it remembers the priority of a specified process everytime that process is started/restarted so you won't have to worry about the priority changing back to idle/low everytime the client starts a new wu.

First we need to download SetPriority, you can get it here. Save the .exe to your desired location and then double click to run it. You should see SetPriority come up.

Now in order to change the priority of a process we need to add a 'priority preset'. Switch to the Preset tab and click on browse. Find the item whose priority you'd like to change.

Once that is done you need to select the priority. Click the drop down box and select which priority you'd like.

Now click add and you should see the preset.

Now switch back over to the Running Process tab. We need to verify our change by looking at the specific process, to do this click on the show process button at the bottom. Scroll down and find your process. You should see it changed to the priority you gave it in the preset.

That's it, your done. Remember, you have to keep SetPriority running as long as you want the process to be at the priority you set it at. Also, SetPriority 1.1 doesn't save your presets (hopefully future versions do) when you shutdown/restart your computer but luckily there's a workaround you can do by making a simple text file. Thanks to nafljhy for finding this:

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make a text document and name it.... "SetPriorityPresets"

leave the inside blank for now. you'll want to keep that txt doc in the same folder as setpriority. start setting new priorities.

it should add in the new priorities itself at some point. if it doesn't... then open up the document and type out the name of the process/application as you see it in setpriority. then hit comma. right after type in how high of a priority you want. so example would be.

Folding@home,High
FahCore_a1,AboveNormal
Vlc,Realtime

save and close the doc. now when you open up set priority it should have your presets.

Comments, questions, and concerns are much appreciated. Thanks for looking.

12/30/2008: Added advantage of using SetPriority (Priority Presets), Windows compatibility
2/25/2009: Added way to save presets with .txt file

**gibsonnova74** · 12-30-08

Great job on the guide! I have added it to the Essential Thread. I'm sure it will come in handy with members who fold GPU clients and CPU clients at the same time. rep+

ipod4ever · 12-30-08

+rep for this THANKS lol

billbartuska · 12-30-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roke

The goal of this how-to is to show you how to set up and configure SetPriority.

Microsoft's Process Explorer can do that also.

**H3||scr3am** · 12-30-08

yes but setpriority will automatically reset the priority say if the program terminates and is rebooted... AKA every time u finish a WU...

Mikecdm · 12-30-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by billbartuska

Microsoft's Process Explorer can do that also.

I was thinking the same thing

Quote:

Originally Posted by H3||scr3am

yes but setpriority will automatically reset the priority say if the program terminates and is rebooted... AKA every time u finish a WU...

But this is a very good reason why to use it.

Maybe stating the advantages of using setpriority in the OP would lessen the amount of questions and also inform people who know nothing about the program about it's benefits.

**gibsonnova74** · 12-30-08

Gentlemen, for the ones recommending Process Explorer, please feel free to make a guide as well. I will be more than happy to add it to the Essentials thread as well.

Roke · 12-30-08

Alright, I've update the OP with some more information about SetPriority and why it's useful for folders, let me know what you think. Does anyone know if this program will work in Vista too? Thanks for the feedback guys.

**gibsonnova74** · 12-30-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roke

Alright, I've update the OP with some more information about SetPriority and why it's useful for folders, let me know what you think. Does anyone know if this program will work in Vista too? Thanks for the feedback guys.

Hey Roke, I have used SetPriority on my sig rig, which is Vista 64bit. I have also installed it on Vista 32bit.

nafljhy · 12-30-08

hey roke,

great guide! some tidbits though. setpriority actually does save your presets. mine is set to start up when windows starts up and its always come up perfect with all my settings. i'm not anywhere near my comps right now so i don't remember how i got them to save but they do.

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How to use SetPriority

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