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.
Since i have a Core 2 DUO processor, do i need this hotfix? is this the reason why Bsnes uses multiple threads when it shouldn't?
EDIT: The title says Service Pack 2 needs the hotfix yet under the More Information heading it talks about Service Pack 2 being needed for such processors to function right and that "Windows XP" (IE: does not mention Service Pack level) was not originally designed for such processors. Then it continues on about Windows XP Service Pack 2 including the required changes already.
Last edited by franpa on Sat Feb 23, 2008 3:15 am, edited 4 times in total.
Core i7 920 @ 2.66GHZ | ASUS P6T Motherboard | 8GB DDR3 1600 RAM | Gigabyte Geforce 760 4GB | Windows 10 Pro x64
If you have service pack 2, you already have the hotfix.
[code]<Guo_Si> Hey, you know what sucks?
<TheXPhial> vaccuums
<Guo_Si> Hey, you know what sucks in a metaphorical sense?
<TheXPhial> black holes
<Guo_Si> Hey, you know what just isn't cool?
<TheXPhial> lava?[/code]
apparently (according to the article) sharing the load of a single threaded program over all the cores is normal for Windows XP Service Pack 2 which means it is normal for Bsnes to use both cores.
Core i7 920 @ 2.66GHZ | ASUS P6T Motherboard | 8GB DDR3 1600 RAM | Gigabyte Geforce 760 4GB | Windows 10 Pro x64
the article mixes up between Windows XP Service pack 2 and Windows XP. how was i to know that service pack 2 included it when in giant letters at the top it says that service pack 2 users DO need this patch?
Computers that are running Windows XP Service Pack 2 and that are equipped with multiple processors that support processor power management features may experience decreased performance
Additional updates are available to optimize performance and behavior on computers that are running Windows XP SP2.
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.
Core i7 920 @ 2.66GHZ | ASUS P6T Motherboard | 8GB DDR3 1600 RAM | Gigabyte Geforce 760 4GB | Windows 10 Pro x64
it says without the patch, you get decreased performance. so download it. if it's installed already, it won't matter. if not, performance boost. either way, you're not wasting anyone's time or looking like an idiot.
It is needed for some games/apps that force Power Management to change states (if you're running a web browser, you are not going to be running at 100% CPU for instance).
If you are an using a Intel Processor that is a P4 with HT or later and are experiencing performance problems when certain games/apps seem slow, that fix is for you.
You have to be using XP SP2 to take advantage of it. The article describes changes made to the OS so that dual-core/multithreaded cores.. but obviously there is an issue after making these changes... hence the patch.
Please read the article thoroughly as you wouldn't need to ask the question in the first place.
Last edited by Deathlike2 on Sat Feb 23, 2008 4:37 am, edited 2 times in total.
Yep, Deathlike2 appears to be correct based on the fact that the download page for the update actually states only Windows XP Service Pack 2 is required.
Core i7 920 @ 2.66GHZ | ASUS P6T Motherboard | 8GB DDR3 1600 RAM | Gigabyte Geforce 760 4GB | Windows 10 Pro x64
Deathlike2 w/minor edits wrote:If you are an using a Intel Processor that is a P4 with HT or later and are experiencing performance problems when certain games/apps seem slow, that fix is for you.