x264 encoding not using 100 % of CPU on quad under LINUX

[graysky]

I've been using handbrake under Debian/Lenny-amd64 to do some x264 encoding. What I'm finding is that my CPU usage never approaches >99 % on the 2nd pass of a 2-pass encode like it does when booted into Windows XP. As well, the FPS on the 1st and 2nd pass under LINUX are about 12-15 % SLOWER than when I encode the same file w/ the same exact settings under Windows (handbrake again).

Hardware details: X3360 @ 3.40 GHz (8.5x400), 2x2 GB @ 5-5-5-15 running at 1,000 MHz (4:5), SATA2 HDDs, DFI LT-P35-T2R motherboard.[/i]

Source video is a 720x480 source ripped from DVD (progressive).

handbrake-win64
Run1: 233.5 fps (pass 1) and 41.8 fps (pass 1)
Run2: 234.8 fps (pass 1) and 41.8 fps (pass 2)

Time to encode both passes: 03:29

handbrake-linux64
Run1: 192.0 fps (pass 1) and 37.8 fps (pass 2)
Run2: 193.8 fps (pass 1) and 37.7 fps (pass 2)

Time to encode both passes: 03:54

Anyway, I have a few questions:

1) Can someone else with LINUX and a multicore machine report their CPU usage on an x264 encode (2nd pass)? Does it approach 100 %?

2) Can someone savvy with a CLI x264 encoder help me to see if my inefficient usage is a function of handbrake, or my LINUX kernel? In other words, maybe by using an alternative x264 encoder (mencoder maybe?), I can try an encode using the same settings to see if I get faster FPS and higher CPU usage.

Thanks all.

[directhex]

Are all four cores being used by handbrake?

[graysky]

Are all four cores being used by handbrake?

They are, but not to 100 %. Here's a screenshot of conky on pass 2:


Can you give it a try on your Hardy box?