Windows generally only using 4 threads, not 8?

Craig321 · 17 Apr 2011 at 10:49

This thread technically fits in CPUs / Hardware as well, but I'll just put it here.

I've noticed Windows doesn't use my HT cores at all (i7 2600K).

I know there's minimal usage there, but you can see only cores 1, 3, 5 & 7 are active.

When I go into something like Dragon Age 2 that'll use every core no problem.

Does W7 just not use that amount of cores, or do I have something turned off?

rah^ · 17 Apr 2011 at 11:09

core parking? open up resource monitor and check the cpu tab you'll find there just parked until there needed

Craig321 · 17 Apr 2011 at 11:13

rah^ said:
core parking? open up resource monitor and check the cpu tab you'll find there just parked until there needed

Ah yes, I see.

That answers that. Thanks

theheyes · 17 Apr 2011 at 11:15

Windows knows they are only HT logical cores and will spread the load accordingly. 4 threads on cores 1, 3, 5 & 7 (4 physical cores) are going to execute faster than if Windows stuck them on cores 1, 2, 3, & 4 (2 physical cores).

Windows 7 can scale way beyond 4 cores, what you're seeing is intelligent use of your hardware by the OS.