PCThrust for Windows

PCThrust simply boosts application priorities from their normal settings, but its lack of options will leave advanced users disappointed.

This program sits on your Start tray displaying a uselessly small graph of CPU usage. Double-clicking the icon brings up the program's simple interface. In addition to a larger version of the CPU graph, you can quickly open settings and see some simple program information. You easily can set an application's priority through Task Manager. This program makes such changes on the fly by simply setting the currently focused app's priority to "High" or "Realtime." As you switch focus from one program to another, PCThrust changes each app's priority and reverts other programs back to their normal priorities.

Setting whatever application you are currently viewing to a higher priority could lead to trouble, but we found few problems during our tests. We also found few benefits. Most programs are set to the priority they require and boosting the value gave little change except to starve CPU cycles from background apps. However, if youre multi-tasking with many open programs, this utility could help you make sure your current program gets priority.

Setting PCThrust to force your program's priority to Realtime could cause conflicts with Windows operating system needs. Novice users who are uncomfortable using Task Manager, and users with a need to automatically boost priority for selected apps will find PCThrust helpful. Advanced users will wish for app whitelists, blacklists and other options typical for this type utility.