Optimize XP for Dual Core

[Joshua-San]

Nice guide! I just upgraded from a 3200+ to a X2 4200+. I already noticed a performance boost, but after the guide it seemed to be even snappier :) Thanks!

[NightCrawler.]

Thanks just tried the Intel one, will get back with information on the possible performance increase!

[acies]

Anyone else tried this on a Intel Pentium D??

This "dual core" fix is not for improving dual core performance, but for preventing crashes caused by dual core CPUs (mostly from AMD) when they change power-saving states. AKA change their CPU operating frequencies to save power. It does nothing to improve performance, XP already schedules tasks across cores without the fix.

You DO need the fix if you are getting crashes in XP because of your dual core CPU.

As for the difference between Vista and XP, Vista is running so many craplets in the background it needs enhanced dual core support just to run as fast as XP. :| Compare Vista performance on single and multi core CPUs if you think this is a joke.

Here's a good article about what this XP dual core issue is really about:

http://discussions.virtualdr.com/showthread.php?t=195533

But then why are people getting performance increases??

[matty13]

Yeah i use the patch by microsoft and i get a better performance on just my intel p4 ht

[ShaneSparky_YYZ]

This guide is not for XP 64-bit btw. The update doesn't apply (and there isn't a 64-bit version, I checked) and the reg entries aren't there in the 64-bit version too. Just wanted to let you all know ;) Thanks for the guide tho, I did hear it's done wonders for my friends.

[acies]

This is apparently a more up to date one:

From Microsoft

[devnulllore]

Before I try this will I see any performance increase with a P4-670 3.8G HT processor?

[Unimatrix Xero]

well ive done the AMD side of things and cant say ive noticed anything major, always good to have though

[rajputwarrior]

Before I try this will I see any performance increase with a P4-670 3.8G HT processor?

apparently people are noticing a difference... i can't say because i have a core 2

[xrzhang]

Thanks!

Let me try your boot.ini options!

[TheTempestSonata]

e4300, and it made my bootup time cut in half.

[bloodrain]

any chance of an x64 version?

[Shaidar]

This is what I read of the MS website, here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896256

SYMPTOMS

Computers that are equipped with multiple processors that support processor power management features, such as Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) processor performance states, require Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2). Additional updates are available to optimize performance and behavior on computers that are running Windows XP SP2. Without these updates, computers that are equipped with these power management-capable, mobile, dual-core processors may experience decreased performance or unexpected behavior.

That red word leads me to think that there isn't any performance to be gained by doing these steps.

[joe_banana]

anyone using the windows one on amd?

how do you uninstall it?

[rajputwarrior]

any chance of an x64 version?

since x64 windows xp is based on server 2003, imma say it's already optimized for dual core

[Unimatrix Xero]

does any of thi stuff work under vista? or is vista set up for dualcore already

[rajputwarrior]

no vista is ready for dual core

[Street_Spirit]

I just did this and in cod4 and css video stress tests theree was no difference at all..im on AMD X2 4800+

[Elliot B.]

does any of thi stuff work under vista? or is vista set up for dualcore already

Course Windows Vista is fully optimised for dual-core processors.

[mtber]

Will This actually help or is it a waste?

[EnzoFX]

i dl'ed the ms fix and i got an error. I have a p4 w/HT, created the registry key and modified the boot.ini

i'm actually gonna restart right now to see if there's a difference.

when i built my bro's AM2 Rig, i believe i installed the AMD drivers, the Windows fix, AND the dual core optimizer (one game even required it). so i dont believe its harmful. every game runs fine on it, except he's having issues with steam games (online only). Wish i knew why.

[TheTempestSonata]

is there a similar tweak for Vista, or is Vista already "optimized" for dual core

[rajputwarrior]

no vista is ready for dual core

Course Windows Vista is fully optimised for dual-core processors.

[BigDaddy]

Does this fix appy to Windows Server 2003 also?

[rajputwarrior]

nope, windows server 2003 is optimized for dual core!