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How to improve Excel processor performance (if possible)

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    How to improve Excel processor performance (if possible)

    Mini rant: Sometimes I wonder why office is still so expensive for such un-optimized, minimally improved, software. These guys are professionally paid programmers right?
    I will take that back if someone gives me a good counter argument against my statement :p

    Right anyway, excel, only using 25%.
    Yes that shouts out single core.
    Yes I have enabled multi threaded in advanced options.
    I have task manager open and looking at all 4 core processes, all four cores appear to be doing work, some spiking at 100% but the overall CPU average is stuck at a solid 25%.
    This is excel 2010. I feel like I'm stuck in the year 2000 (Or when ever single core processors were still the norm ).
    The task I'm doing is just deleting a few rows from a long list of data (removing duplicates but I have to manually check I'm removing the right one).

    I'm predisposed to the answer of nothing can be done but you don't ask you won't know.

    Thanks.

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    Re: How to improve Excel processor performance (if possible)

    Regardless of how the processor is performing or how many cores are being used, the main question is - how is excel performing?

    It has been my experience that if workbook performance is low/slow, oftentimes it is because it is not being used properly. (keep in mind that you are ranting to a bunch of excel *fanatics* here, thats a bit like telling a mother their baby is ugly and stupid)

    Here are just a few things to consider when your workbook is performing slowly (which you didnt really claim)...
    excel is used where a dedicated database program should be used - just way too much data to process
    inefficient formulas and functions are used
    - such as array formulas using full-column ranges
    ineffective, inefficient or just plain table design
    Conditional Formatting used over large areas

    If you explain exactly what the problem is, and maybe upload a small (clean) sample workbook (not a pic) of what you are working with, and what your expected outcome would look like, we might be able to give better help?
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    Regards
    Ford

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    Re: How to improve Excel processor performance (if possible)

    Quote Originally Posted by FDibbins View Post
    Here are just a few things to consider when your workbook is performing slowly (which you didnt really claim)...
    excel is used where a dedicated database program should be used - just way too much data to process
    inefficient formulas and functions are used
    - such as array formulas using full-column ranges
    ineffective, inefficient or just plain table design
    Conditional Formatting used over large areas

    If you explain exactly what the problem is, and maybe upload a small (clean) sample workbook (not a pic) of what you are working with, and what your expected outcome would look like, we might be able to give better help?
    1. The data I get is in excel format and I have no access to a database, however with the need for calculations and graphs from said data I'm not sure a database would cut it (Not that I've used one in years).
    2. No array formulas or formulas using full column ranges.
    3. All data cut down to the required data.
    4. OK I do have a full column range to check for duplicates in conditional formatting.

    Quote Originally Posted by FDibbins View Post
    (keep in mind that you are ranting to a bunch of excel *fanatics* here, thats a bit like telling a mother their baby is ugly and stupid)
    Following the same analogy I would personally liken excel to a ex-delinquent teenager/slacking adult. It's wiser and behaves a lot more but occasionally still screws up and you'd think after all these years would know better.

    As it stands I'm still waiting for my excel sheet to finish computing whatever it's computing to give out an example...

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    Re: How to improve Excel processor performance (if possible)

    uploaded example, headings and data changed to protect privacy.
    checking by serial number. (col C and I), other data fields are required.
    duplicates must be deleted but not all dupes are created equal, need to be checked.
    Real data includes over 8000 entries (not everything is duplicated but excel still has to process them if I delete a row I assume).
    Attached Files Attached Files

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    Re: How to improve Excel processor performance (if possible)

    1. The data I get is in excel format and I have no access to a database, however with the need for calculations and graphs from said data I'm not sure a database would cut it (Not that I've used one in years).
    Define "excel format"?
    You can port data between excel and access (with the necessary skills), with access storing the data and excel pulling what it needs for calcs and charts

    2. No array formulas or formulas using full column ranges.
    You do know what an array formula is, correct? (forgive the question if you really do know, not meant to insult, but many new users dont know what array formulas are)

    3. All data cut down to the required data.
    What volume of data are we talking here? What is the size of your data table

    4. OK I do have a full column range to check for duplicates in conditional formatting.
    CF, when used over large ranges, can consume an inordinate amount of resources - to the point of dragging a file to a stand-still.
    Try - as a test - reducing the range to just a couple of rows/cells and see if that has any impact...obviously, when the file lets you

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    Re: How to improve Excel processor performance (if possible)

    Ok thanks, will check that out, thanks for the heads up.
    Though I think we are slightly digressing from the main topic in that I would like to confirm that there's no way that I can speed up excel processor usage regardless of whatever task excel is calculating.
    For future reference

    Thanks.

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