Dual Processors in Win XP Pro

[FunkDaMonkMan]

Yea! I just build my Dual T-bird 1.4ghz system! And i'm on it right now, even better!

The computer runs fast, but I don't know if the operating system is using both of the processors. In the device manager it shows that there are two processors. Where can I see if it's using both?

I hope someone can help.

[Placid]

Maybe start-settings-control panel-administrative tools-performance.See if it shows both cpu's and run a smp app and see if both cpu's show usage.

[FunkDaMonkMan]

well I did that... and I looks like its only using one processor. Would you know how I could set up the other?

BTW, BIOS recognizes the dual processors during bootup

[Placid]

Sorry dual cpu's are not my specialty.
I am sure Jon would have some good info, no idea when he might be around thou I will pm him.

[FunkDaMonkMan]

thanx

[Jon]

Right click My Computer, go to properties, hardware tab then click the Device Manager button. When you get the Device Manager open click the + beside Computer and it should say ACPI MP Compliant PC. If it does, your good to go.

Keep in mind that just because both CPUs don't show activity it doesn't mean there is something wrong. Not all programs/services use MP technology and are linear in their CPU usage (i.e., they only use one CPU). You only really benefit from dual processors when multi-tasking (running several programs at the same time) and when using multi-threaded applications (programs that use numerous threads in which each CPU can share the workload).

Got several duallies myself (putting together my first AMD dually this week) and while I don't come close to using all the horsepower they have to offer, when I'm running WinAmp, burning a CD, surfing the web and crunching SETI all at the same time, that multi-tasking ability really shines.

[Captain 3D]

Mother Board Monitor show a trace for each independent CPU so you can see them working. Also Cinebench (http://www.maxon.net/pages/download/benchmarks.html) has a specific bench mark render for single and then dual CPU. You will see the image rendered in two halfs for the dual test...Phil 3D

[FunkDaMonkMan]

Well it says, "ACPI Multiprocessor PC." Thanks a lot!

So, It really will use both processors if i'm running 5 explorer windows, winamp, Red Faction, msn messenger, yahoo messnger, kazaa, and burning a CD.

Again, Thanx

[FunkDaMonkMan]

Well, captain I ran the cinebench. It rendered the image in 8 sec. when i clicked single processor, and it rendered the image in 4 sec. when I clicked multi processors.

Now lets see.... 4 x 2 is um.... 8!
Thanx.........that proves that it's working.

[Captain 3D]

Apart from the obvious time difference the single render is one continuous render from top to bottom by one CPU. The dual render splits the image in two so one CPU renders the top half and the second the bottom half.

It is visually clear that both CPU's are working.

Oh just thought it doesnt do teh MP test unless you have 2 CPU's

:-)