[Katmandu]

Does XP benefit from Dual-Core technology's ability to multi-thread and
other multi-core technology ???

If so, what performance changes could be expected over a single core CPU ??

[aetherh4cker]

I don't think it's as dependent on the operating system, as it is the application running. I don't think the operating itself has multi-threading technology specifically, but it can benefit from multiple cores because Windows has *tons* of programs running to manage your system, and since they're individual programs, some can run on one core while the others run on the other core.

Applications, such as games, need to be programmed to utilize more than one core. Processor intensive applications, such as video encoders, have taken advantage of this for a while now. The newer games are now starting to come that can use more than one core.

As long as you're playing a game that supports multiple cores, you should get significant performance increases. However, many non-game applications don't require more power than what a single core can give. So as far as other stuff goes, you'll simply notice the ability to have more applications running at once.

Though the multiple cores won't do you much good if you have something else, such as RAM, bottlenecking your system.

[EricB]

due to it's 32 bit limitation, xp can't really take advantage over the technology like 64 bit can. However most companies don't care enough to write application to get this benefit. MS needs to push 64 bit and stop pushing vista.

[Mak213]

XP Pro can use the Dual Processor but since it isnt SMP (Symetrical Multi Processing) which is what Dual Core apps need to be, you wont get full advantage of it.

WinRar among a few other apps are AMP and can benefit from Dual and Quad core. But you need to make sure the apps are SMP.

[Katmandu]

Originally Posted by Makaveli213

you need to make sure the apps are SMP.

How does one accomplish this ?

[Mak213]

Use google or the applications resources, online faqs to find out.