Does Windows XP need patches for quadcore cpu's?

The Old Man · 3 Apr 2008 at 15:36

Hi all,
I just ordered a Q6600 Quadcore for my son's new PC and he will be running a fresh install of his existing Windows XP Pro on it. He's a gamer only so there's no real need for him to go to Vista yet.

Are there any patches necessary to get the best performance on Windows XP with quad core? I remember there were patches that had to be installed a couple of years ago when I built my own Dual Core E6300. Has Windows Update caught up with those separate patches now or do you still have to track them down?

Secondly on Vista I can use Multicore Meter Sidebar Gadget to see what work my PC's dual cores are doing. Is there anything like that for Windows XP so you can get and idea of what your PC is doing with its shiny new cores?

Thanks for any advice you can offer!

bledd · 3 Apr 2008 at 15:39

intel chips are fine

i'm sure you know, but he'll be limited to 3-3.5gb of ram on xp (assuming it's 32bit)

dunno about the meter thing, i don't use sidebar,

The Old Man · 3 Apr 2008 at 15:41

Thanks, yes he'll be using 3GB of DDR2 PC6400 ram.

So no patches needed then with it being an Intel CPU?

Thanks

bledd · 3 Apr 2008 at 15:43

nope, if there are any they'll appear on windows update i'd imagine

amd cpu's need drivers (for best performance), not intel afaik

The Old Man · 3 Apr 2008 at 15:54

Thanks!

IAmATeaf · 3 Apr 2008 at 16:38

I never installed a patch or an update when I went from a P4 to a Q6600. Some people have reported funnies after swapping the CPU out but a BIOS reset to defaults normally clears that so I made sure I cleared my BIOS after swapping CPUs and never had any probs.

The Old Man · 3 Apr 2008 at 17:01

Thanks, this will be on a new mother board/new system not just a CPU upgrade. Thank though!