How do I use less CPU with loops?

Question

I've got a loop that looks like this:

while (elapsedTime < refreshRate) 
{
    timer.stopTimer();
    elapsedTime=timer.getElapsedTime();
}

I read something similar to this elsewhere (C Main Loop without 100% cpu), but this loop is running a high resolution timer that must be accurate. So how am I supposed to not take up 100% CPU while still keeping it high resolution?

Answer 1

You shouldn't busy-wait but rather have the OS tell you when the time has passed.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms712704(VS.85).aspx

High resolution timers (Higher than 10 ms)

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/cc163996.aspx