Hi. The helpful tool when top doesn't help.

[pulse]

Hello.

I'm also a linux kernel dev. Once I really faced with situation when top was not enough.
If you would like to know how your server or workstation behaves under heavy load - 
this software could be quite useful. You could set a quota (80% by default)
and all processes which go higher would be logged. It helps when you monitor
your pc for a long time (top provides too much output).
Here is the link:

https://overlinux.com/spike-monitor/

Please feel free to try!

Regards.

P.S. I'm sorry for a cold email. I'm the author of software. Ask me if you have questions or send me a mail for not 
bothering you again. Thanks!