I often have to run calculation intensive simulations using Matlab. These simulations often take a long time and I expect my computer to use all its ressources in order for these simulations to be completed in as little time as possible.
However, when I open the Activity Monitor on my computer, processor usage is never above 55% and there is often about 1GB of unused RAM.
My question is: why is the processor not used to its full potential, and is there a safe and easy way to change this? Indeed, it would be great if I could get my simulations to be completed in half the time they currently take!
Its probably because you have a processer with multiple cores and that the code you are executing isn’t written to run in multiple threads/processes. Unless you specifically write your code to take advantage of multiple cores it will only be able to use a single core at a single time.
A relatively easy way to enable parallel computing is to use the Parallel Computing Toolbox.
Additionally you might consider reading this: http://www.mathworks.com/company/newsletters/articles/parallel-matlab-multiple-processors-and-multiple-cores.html