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Quad-core & Windows XP

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by PCFarmer, 2008/06/21.

  1. 2008/06/21
    PCFarmer

    PCFarmer Inactive Thread Starter

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    Most CPUs about these days seem to have dual-cores and to me it makes sense to use Windows XP Pro as an OS because it supports up to two CPUs.

    If I were to use a quad-core CPU would two of the cores not be recognised/utilised by Windows XP Pro? Can Windows XP Pro be configured/crowbared to use four cores instead of two?

    Regards PCFarmer
     
    PCFarmer,
    #1
  2. 2008/06/21
    Dennis L Lifetime Subscription

    Dennis L Inactive Alumni

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    The software determines how many cores are used. Some games can utilize 4 cores (not sure if OS must be 64 bit?).
     
    Dennis L,
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  4. 2008/06/22
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    I have been googling around and it seems like "Windows XP Pro supports up to two CPUs" refers to the number of slots on the motherboard and not the number of cores in each CPU. If I have understood correctly, XP Home will run one (1) dual or quad core CPU and XP Pro will run two (2) dual or quad core CPUs.

    Where is Rockster2U when you need him ... :p ... ?

    Christer
     
    Christer,
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  5. 2008/06/22
    Rockster2U

    Rockster2U Geek Member

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    It doesn't appear that you need any help Christer. More here. (quick search confirms little if anything of substance I can add.)

    ;)
     
    Rockster2U,
    #4
  6. 2008/06/22
    Dennis L Lifetime Subscription

    Dennis L Inactive Alumni

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    To reap the benefits, hardware and software must work in unison. For software, this includes OS and application. The following article touches on some of the challenges ....
    Why You're Not Getting Your Money's Worth Out of That New CPU

    With all that said, I am absolutely thrilled with my e8400 dual core processor / new computer build. But the gain comes primarily from a faster processor, faster front side bus, faster memory, faster GPU, faster HDD (when compared to my old computer).
     
    Last edited: 2008/06/22
    Dennis L,
    #5
    PeteC likes this.
  7. 2008/06/22
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    Rockster2U,
    I have only built dual core systems and installed XP Pro, never on quad core systems which means that I have no personal experience on which to base a yes or no answer. Logical thinking told me that someone would be in trouble if processor manufacturers provide CPUs that the majority of users cannot utilize.

    Dennis L,

    Amen to that! XP is older than multicore and I doubt that SP3 has added the necessary drivers to support e.g. AMDs Cool'n'Quiet or Intels SpeedStep, both power management technologies. Next, the programmers make the software utilize the multiple cores.

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #6
  8. 2008/06/22
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    Being an AMD-man myself, I had to go google on "Intel SpeedStep" and found out that Intel provide no drivers. The operating system has to do that through power management.

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #7

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