P4 Hyperthreading Questions

  • Thread starter Thread starter ECP
  • Start date Start date
E

ECP

I am getting some problems that seems to be related with hyperthreading. Can
any one help me answering these questions?

1. How does Windows XP treat hyperthreading enabled systems when it is in
Safe Mode?

2. What are the hyperthreading problems that are going to be solved in
Windows XP SP2?

Thanks in advance,

Emilio
 
To be sure if the problems you are having are HT related, turn HT off in the
BIOS.

Willie
 
The problem is that the system restarts randomly. The BIOS here does not
have the option for disabling HT, so I used /NUMPROC=1 in boot.ini and
everything works fine.

Without /NUMPROC=1 and in safe mode (i.e, HT enabled), the system is OK
also. So, I want to know how does Windows XP treat hyperthreading enabled
systems when it is in Safe Mode. My guess is that it is in the same way as
if it were in "normal mode" because I can see two CPUs in task manager. If I
am correct, the problem would be related to some service/device and
hyperthreading.

I would really appreciate any thoughts on this.

Emilio.
 
The only thing safe mode does different, basically, is load only the drivers
Windows *Needs* to function at minimal. HT is in the Processor, and you are
correct in assuming it is no different in safe mode. I too had HT, but sold
board and processor, and switched to an AMD 3000+ W/O HT (Obviously), and
actually found NO difference in speed. I can multitask almost as good with
the AMD. I have read that *Normal* domesticWindows programs actually cannot
take full advantage of HT anyway. I had a restart issue with the HT system,
and tried everything, and was so disgusted, after even contacting Microsoft
for support, and my local shop, of which neither could help me resolve the
issue. I admit, the only reason they couldn't help, was because the only
information they had to work with is what I gave them. Both said possibly
ram related, but I dismissed this because I ran 2 different diagnostics, and
showed no issues. Eventually, I ran thru EVERYTHING, and came up
empty...Decided to replace the ram anyway, both sticks, and haven't had an
issue since. Go figure. Sorry this is so long, but I figure if we all share
what we've encountered, someone else may benefit from it. In the BIOS of the
MSI board I *Had* for HT, there was a feature to turn it off, so I thought
you had one too. Do you have the box unchecked for "Restart"' automatically"
in; "My Computer" properties, advanced tab, startup & recovery, uncheck box
"Automaticallt Restart", OK...the next random reboot that occurs, there will
be the BSOD, with an error code. Come back with that code, and post here,
and/or do a Google search. Sorry I don't have more, and I feel your
frustration. Good Luck.

Willie
 
Thanks Willie,

I also thought it was memory, heating, HD, but I ran a lot of tests and it
only stopped to reboot when I used /NUMPROC=1.

The Automatic Restart is already unchecked. When the computer restarts there
is no blue screen, no event logged.
 
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