Dual-core/Multi-processor/HyperThreading WinXP SP2 fix.

[Jammrock]

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=896256

Apparently the way WinXP moves processes around a multi-processor (whether true or virtual) can cause performance hits to any CPU intesive task ... namely gaming. This patch plus reg fix supposedly fixes the problem. If you do not have resources to download the hotfix and need it, send me a PM and I'll see what I can do.

Jammrock

[Kooldino]

Wonder if anyone has before/after benchmarks for this?

Good find.

[DGhost]

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=896256

Apparently the way WinXP moves processes around a multi-processor (whether true or virtual) can cause performance hits to any CPU intesive task ... namely gaming. This patch plus reg fix supposedly fixes the problem. If you do not have resources to download the hotfix and need it, send me a PM and I'll see what I can do.

Jammrock

the problem specifically ties into systems that can enable ACPI clock throttling, where Windows runs the chance of doing things like moving a thread to a processor that is running slower than the current one, etc.

[Elie]

Where is the link to download the hotfix???????

I clicked on the link posted by Jammrock, but All it talks about is stuff about the fix and not wher to download the hotfix from.

What's up?

I can certainly benefit from this since I am running a Dual XEON 3.4Ghz with Hyperthreading enabled.

Thanks,
Elie

[Elie]

Actually I found it on the HP website
But it pertains to video and graphics for Dual Processor with Hyperthreading.

Thanks again guys!

Regards,
Elie

[VJ]

Anybody know if the patch is available for download?
I'm running a Supermicro X5DA8 (dual Xeon Prestonia), but the patch doesn't appear to be on the Supermicro site....


Jörg

[SitFlyer]

I did a little searching and found the following link for you

http://www.perambula.net/res/WindowsXP-KB896256-v3-x86-ENU.exe

You have to tweak the registry, according to Microsoft KB article, after you install it.

[Marshmallowman]

Its more for dual core , but anyways the procedure is to phone MS and quote the article number and then they will give you the download location...its free but since its a beta/test hotfix they seem to want to keep a treack on it.

[VJ]

I did a little searching and found the following link for you

http://www.perambula.net/res/WindowsXP-KB896256-v3-x86-ENU.exe

You have to tweak the registry, according to Microsoft KB article, after you install it.

Cool, thanks!

Multimediaman: Well, the KB article does mention all multi processor and hyperthreading systems also...


Jörg

[DGhost]

to my knowledge no multicore system can tune core speeds independantly yet. about the only thing current multicore processors would get out of it is support for processor wide clock scaling without the need for hacks.

[Jammrock]

Cool, thanks!

Multimediaman: Well, the KB article does mention all multi processor and hyperthreading systems also...


Jörg

The patch is for multi-processor, mulit-core and hyperthreaded systems.

Installed it at home a few days ago, seems to be working great. Popped up the frame rate in HL2 and it's very solid. Haven't done any before and after benchmarking, but general game playing seems a tad smoother.