Get the most out of my dual core CPU

[TyKoN]

I got a new Core 2 Duo E4300, but honestly I dont notice that much of a speed increase in comparison with my old Sempron 1800+. The two have the same clock speed but since the C2D has two processors shouldnt it be twice as fast? Is there something I have to do the make sure I get the most out of my CPU? I have a 32-bit version of Windows XP.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Well, first of all make sure both cores are actually enabled. Go to dev manager and make sure it sees 2 cpu and your machine is listed under "computer" as acpi multiprocessor pc.

Other than that it just matters of the software you are using is dual core aware (multithreaded) some apps arent and there isnt much you can do about it

 

[Mattz0r]

In what sort of applications are you not noticing any sort of speed difference TyKoN? Like RadiclDreamer said, if an app isn't multithreaded, you might not notice too much of a speed difference at all. Some apps may benefit a lot more from additional RAM, while not utilizing a second core at all...

 

[Mike2002]

It seems like with all new CPU's coming out these days being dual, quad, multi-threaded...that most new software should be utilized for multi-core systems??

 

[imported_Baloo]

Originally posted by: Mike2002
It seems like with all new CPU's coming out these days being dual, quad, multi-threaded...that most new software should be utilized for multi-core systems??

That would be a big "No." Very little software for desktop use is multithreaded.

 

[imported_Baloo]

Originally posted by: TyKoN
The two have the same clock speed but since the C2D has two processors shouldnt it be twice as fast?

Twice as fast? No, it does not work that way. Where you will see advantges of multi cores most is when multitasking. You'll always have a second core to work with when some program is hogging one of the cores, so less waiting for the CP to respond to your input.

Being as your new cpu has the same clock speed as the Sempron...