Windows XP Question

[ttechf]

Hi,

When it comes to Windows XP, I had a question. According to wikipedia, if one has the 64 bit edition of XP Professional, it can support up to 128GB of memory breaking the 4GB, or 3.5GB usable limit.

WELL, my question is, is there any limits on the processor? Can Windows XP Professional 64 bit run on a quad core, 6 core and 8 core processor and system? Will the system know to recognize the cores? Or are you limited to a dual core with any version of XP no matter what? I just haven't been able to see or find a clear cut answer on this and perhaps someone can help me.


Thank you. : ]

 

[Fardringle]

Windows XP only has a limit on the number of physical processors in the system (i.e. the number of CPU sockets on the motherboard). XP Home can use a single CPU socket. XP Professional can use two. The number of cores in each socket doesn't matter.

edit: Having said that, Windows XP support will end next April so if you are considering building a new system you would be better off with Windows 7 unless you have a need to use something that will not run in Windows 7 (or in XP mode/VM in Windows 7).

 

[WildW]

My PC at work runs XP Pro, has an i7, and shows/uses all 8 threads. No limits that I'm aware of.

 

[ttechf]

Windows XP only has a limit on the number of physical processors in the system (i.e. the number of CPU sockets on the motherboard). XP Home can use a single CPU socket. XP Professional can use two. The number of cores in each socket doesn't matter.

edit: Having said that, Windows XP support will end next April so if you are considering building a new system you would be better off with Windows 7 unless you have a need to use something that will not run in Windows 7 (or in XP mode/VM in Windows 7).

Thank you. And no, I am not installing it on a new build, lol. I was just curious. I'd use 8 for a new build. : ]

 

[ttechf]

My PC at work runs XP Pro, has an i7, and shows/uses all 8 threads. No limits that I'm aware of.

Thank you. That is good to know and hear. : ]

 

[Bubbaleone]

XP Home x86 supports 1 processor socket, and XP Pro x86/x64 will support two processor sockets, regardless of the number of cores. Only Windows 2000 and earlier would "see" multiple cores as multiple processors.

 

[Berryracer]

Is using XP with all the updates that are available although we know they stopped at a certain point, pose a security risk or is it still usable?

 

[Fardringle]

You can still keep using it, but any exploits that are discovered (and there probably still are some) will not be patched after the support ends in April 2014. This may not be an issue for most people, that just check their email and Facebook, but it does pose a security risk and should be considered.