Hyperthreading

[Waldo2k2]

I remember reading various reviews on HT when it first came out, how it actually slowed down programs that didn't utilize it. But when setting up my new computer yesterday, I went to turn it off, and the motherboards message actually noted that it should be used for winxp and linux 2.4.x . So, if winxp utilized HT technology, does that mean it will make use of it when running my apps? Or is HT dependent on the app that is running? I'm just trying to get the most performance out of this box. I know linux can use it just fine, but I'm not sure about windows (and I don't want to turn it on and off everytime I reboot). So if anyone could help me with this a little that'd be great. thanks.

[Lurker]

I would imagine it would be used in your threaded programs, yes.

[chrismiceli]

aren't all programs threaded, just single threaded?

[Waldo2k2]

all programs are threaded, but hyperthreading extends that concept to create a sort of virual second or third processor. It's supposed to emulate a multiprocessor environment on a single chip...but I'm still skeptical, that's why i posted.

[Fordy]

I dont have a chip that carries this feature so it has never concerned me. But as this technology seems to mimic multiprocessor setups then an operating system designed to cope favorabley with more than 1 processor (as Windows XP and 2000 are) should take advantage of being able to schedule more than 1 thread at a time.

As far as applications go, they dont really have to worry...the windows thread scheduling code needs to worry about this situation, not the apps...they just create the threads as needed and the OS decides what CPU time they actually get and from what processor

[Waldo2k2]

thanks that's what i needed to hear

[anonytmouse]

Only Pro version of XP is multi-processor (or hyperthreading) enabled.

[EvBladeRunnervE]

Only Pro version of XP is multi-processor (or hyperthreading) enabled

then the only real commercial applications that use HT technology are computer art software(photoshop,3DSMAX,etc.)

[anonytmouse]

I reckon the only real commercial applications to use hyper threading are by Intel to liberate you of a couple hundred extra when you buy the chip and Microsoft to liberate you of a couple of hundred extra when you buy the OS :-[

Waldo2k2, try shutting your eyes and randomly setting ht to off or on(don't stuff up the rest of your bios!). I'm betting that even the average genius is not going to be able to tell whether it is on or off.

[Waldo2k2]

I'm just going to leave it, nothing seems to be going slow, and it's definetly outpacing my other computer, so I'm guessing it doesn't hurt.