Differences between CPU and Disk readings?

Sometimes folks will ask about problems with their DAWs, particularly with Dropout, and one of the questions we'll ask is "what is your CPU meter reading" when it drops out.
I've mentioned what a typical CPU reading is for a project (for my system), as others have, but realized I was actually giving my Disk reading. My CPU meter seldom rises above 3%, but Disk can hit 40+% at times.
I've often wrote that when using ASIO driver mode that the user should have his or her Processor Scheduling set to Background Services instead of Programs, but could never remember where I read that.
Found the source just a little while ago, from the Focusrite Support site. The page I have is from 2007, and specific to Windows XP under Tuning Tips, "this will improve the performance of ASIO drivers on the PC".
Just wondering if that's why my CPU readings are low and the disk readings are higher.
Has anyone else changed their Processor Scheduling for that reason? 

Right, but is there an advantage, other than just doing what Focusrite Support said?
Apparently, ASIO works in the background, thus the recommendation to change the Processor Scheduling.
I haven't had a dropout in maybe years, except once when I forgot to turn off the virus scan and get off the internet and the VS updated right in the middle of recording.

frickin spammers.

I wondered if anyone else using ASIO had done that.
As far as defragging, I've read posts by some folks who say they do it often, but I usually run the analysis and it's always said the disk doesn't need to be defragged. I still have miles of open space.

I assume you mean the last few posts? Interesting. I guess I'll search Noel's posts; there can't be too many...

im a little lost here but im very interested in what your saying greg as i just spent about a 1/2 hour on the focusrite site myself..i have the safire 6 usb.what did you do to help performance..and if i may ask..when ever i open a project my performance module always has about 21% taken in the cpu area  to start a project...before i even start a track?...is this normal?? i figured it would start at 0...no??is this because its doing something else?

okay..i just watched the video for it..what will switching to backround services do?to my normal settings,e.g. surfing the net..using wordat times?any idea?..cause im all for it and am ready to do it now...my proccesor is running both in task..its an i2 intel..now i know at least i have a small issue cause yes confirmed when i open a project my performance module is reading 22% percent right now..thats a new project,just opened nothing done to it...thanks greg,,much thanks..heres the vid i just watched
http://www.focusrite.com/answerbase/en/article.php?id=1088

This is the thread, Beagle. It wasn't too hard to find: only 450+ threads to look through.
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.aspx?m=1238330&mpage=1&key=processor%2cscheduling
 
You might want to read it too, Charlie. If you're using ASIO drivers.
I didn't understand a lot of what Noel wrote, but it made sense, sorta.
Looks like I'll have to do the trial and error thing, see if one works better than the other.
Note: I'm having no problems with my DAW, just seeking knowledge.
 
Charlie, are you using Instrument Tracks?

No problem, Charlie. There's lots of info on these forums (some of it contradictory) about tweaking the computer for best performance for audio.
The simpler ones are turning off all other programs, disabling/turning off the modem and getting off the internet, turning off the virus scanners.
If the MC/SONAR CPU meters are reading 20+% with nothing in the tracks and nothing playing, that's not good, because if you start to record in that state, you're bound to get some glitches from your memory being stolen by some unknown agent.