Solved Dual core cpu setting

[Davy]

I'm using a A6-5400K dual core cpu, just wondering about setting in msconfig. When advance boot setting is set to 2 processors I get a split active screen in task manager both showing activity, when set to 1 processor I just get one long one in task manager..... which sitting is right?


Does the Processor setting refer to one dual boot cpu.... or two independent cpu's?



No matter which config. I use in boot setting I still get two cpu's in Device Manager, I assume this is one for each core.


Thanks, Dave

 

[iko22]

Hello Davy

The Processor setting in msconfig can refer to number of cpus in the one computer, or it can refer to number of cores and hyper-threads available on one cpu.

Device Manager displays the installed device drivers, and does not necessarily imply the device is Enabled.

Hope that helps.

 

[Davy]

Hi iko22, thank you for prompt reply.
So, I'll set it to the highest number available.... that seems be the obvious thing to do.



It was stuck on 1 so I tried deleting the check mark, rebooted and it allowed me to adjust to 2 so I'll leave it at the two setting.


Thank you again. Dave

 

[LMiller7]

In this context, and just about everywhere in Windows, a processor refers to the number of logical cores. Terms aren't always used consistently. That might be 2 physical CPUs, 1 physical CPU with multiple cores, or 1 core with hyperthreading (I don't know the term used by AMD). It makes no difference. Your CPU does not support the latter. The only time the number of physical CPUs matters is for licensing purposes. Only Windows 7 Professional or higher editions support 2 physical CPUs. That would be high end hardware.

The purpose of the msconfig "number of processors" CPU option is to limit the number of cores used, primarily for testing and diagnostic purposes. Most people will have no need for this option That is why it is an advanced option.

The default and optimum setting is for the checkbox to be unchecked. In this state all available cores will be used. The actual number of cores shown will make no difference if the checkbox is not checked. Setting the actual number of cores does no harm but serves no useful purpose. Much misinformation has been written about this.

And as mentioned by iko22 these settings will not effect what is shown in Device manager.

 

[Davy]

Thanks LMiller7 for the reply, just that I was curious I if I'd thought about it was a silly question I asked and the answer standing out like a sore thumb... especially after I tried it, panic and curiosity alleviated.



Dave

 

[LeonSpinx]

Mine worked out of the gate.