Linux CPU usage It is very important to learn the precise methods on how to determine the overall consumption trends in Linux. Indeed, in certain situations, you will note that the CPU consumption in your Linux system is getting unusually high. In such cases, it will prove to be most practical to identify the complex processes that contribute to higher consumption rates on the CPU system. You may discover that there are primary ways to determine this. The first is using the “ps command,” and the second is “the top command.” It is generally more practical to use the top command. Regardless, both of these methods can produce effective results. You are, therefore, at liberty to choose either of them.