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Optimizing Performance 29
Optimizing Performance
Hyper-Threading
Hyper-Threading is an Intel
®
technology that can enhance overall computer performance by
allowing one physical processor to function as two logical processors, capable of performing certain
tasks simultaneously. It is recommended that you use the Microsoft
®
Windows
®
XP Service Pack 1
(SP1) or later operating system because Windows XP is optimized to take advantage of
Hyper-Threading technology. While many programs can benefit from Hyper-Threading, some
programs have not been optimized for Hyper-Threading and may require an update from the
software manufacturer. Contact the software manufacturer for updates and information about
using Hyper-Threading with your software.
To determine if your computer is using Hyper-Threading technology:
1
Click the
Start
button, right-click
My Computer
, and then click
Properties
.
2
Click
Hardware
and click
Device Manager
.
3
In the
Device Manager
window, click the plus (+) sign next to
Processors
. If Hyper-Threading
is enabled, the processor is listed twice.
You can enable or disable Hyper-Threading through system setup. For more information on
accessing system setup, see page 113. For more information on Hyper-Threading, search the
Knowledge Base on the Dell Support website at
support.dell.com.
Overclocking
Dell locks the processor multiplier options in system setup to prevent processor overclocking. The
first and most important reason for preventing overclocking is that Dell’s performance labs
vigorously test and fine-tune Dell computers at the system level in an attempt to attain the best
possible overall performance. Any performance modification that is not implemented in the labs
could cause performance degradation. When you receive your computer in the configuration that
you ordered, it is already primed for high performance.
The second reason is that an overclocked processor, in general, creates excessive heat and electrical
fields that can cause heat fatigue failures within the processor, thus possibly shortening its expected
life span. Even slight overclocking can cause a computer to become unstable and lock up.
There are several after-market "performance-modification" products available through various
sources, but Dell discourages and does not support the use of those products on its computers.