MS Dual Core Hotfix and usepmtimer relevent for C2D T7200?

[Megatomic]

What's the general concensus today? Is the MS hotfix for Dual Core processors and the /usepmtimer switch necessary for my new laptop with WinXP Pro and a C2D T7200 to run at it's best? Will the use of them cause my laptop to run in a less power efficient fashion?

I used the hotfix and the switch on my A64 X2 desktop successfully, but this laptop is my first Intel machine in many years. Thanks for any tips.

 

[Accord99]

No, Intel dual-core processors don't have this problem.

 

[Megatomic]

All right, thanks. I wonder why AMD dual core didn't work properly in WinXP but C2D does?

 

[Munky]

Originally posted by: Megatomic
All right, thanks. I wonder why AMD dual core didn't work properly in WinXP but C2D does?

I'd like to know this too.

 

[Megatomic]

bump

Anyone have any info?

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: Megatomic
All right, thanks. I wonder why AMD dual core didn't work properly in WinXP but C2D does?

Because AMD didn't pay Micro$oft to include the drivers and optimizations into the O$, like Intel did.

 

[Megatomic]

My memory may not be perfect, but Core Duo came out after WinXP SP2 just like A64 X2 did. That explanation doesn't seem to work for me.

 

[John]

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.

Note This problem also applies to x64-based versions of Microsoft Windows Server 2003. However, this article and its associated private hotfix are not intended to resolve timing problems in games and other applications that run on AMD dual-core computers. For more information about performance issues on dual-core computers, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

MORE INFORMATION

Windows XP SP2 is required on computers that have multiple CPUs that support ACPI processor performance states. This requirement includes computers that support the following items:

? Multiple physical sockets
? Multiple-core designs
? Multiple logical threads, such as Intel hyper-threading technology

Because Windows XP was not originally designed to support performance states on multiprocessor configurations, changes are required to correctly realize this support on multiprocessor systems. Windows XP Service Pack 2 includes the required changes to the kernel power manager. These changes make sure that Windows XP correctly functions on multiprocessor systems with processor performance states.

This hotfix also addresses the following issues on computers that have multiple processors that support processor performance states:

? A possible decrease in performance on single-threaded workloads when processor performance states are using demand-based switching.
? The synchronization of the processor Time Stamp Counter (TSC) registers across processors when you use the ACPI Power Management timer on multiprocessor systems.
? ACPI C-state promotion and demotion issues in the kernel power manager.

 

[Megatomic]

I've read that KB John, and unfortunately they mention AMD chips but not Intel chips. What is your take on that?

 

[John]

I don't think you read it correctly. Did you read the info under Note in my previous post?


Note This problem also applies to x64-based versions of Microsoft Windows Server 2003. However, this article and its associated private hotfix are not intended to resolve timing problems in games and other applications that run on AMD dual-core computers. For more information about performance issues on dual-core computers, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:


This particular MS hotfix isn't necessary for AMD cpus since you would want to install the AMD cpu driver for single/dual core, and the dual core optimizer for AMD dual cores.

Here's some info from Intel:
http://www.intel.com/technology/magazine/computing/mobile-power-saving-0506.htm

Utilize GV3 hotfix (KB896256) from Microsoft.
If a multithreaded application indicates performance degradation/increased power consumption in Adaptive (PL) mode, install GV3 hotfix from Microsoft; the issue might be that the OS is getting incorrect information about processor performance while in Adaptive mode. GV3 hotfix will track CPU utilization across the entire package rather than individual cores, and will enable the OS to operate at optimum frequency.

 

[Megatomic]

Thanks for clarifying that for me John. I'll try out the GV3 update and see how it works for me.