Multi-Core questions and answers

Why are the CPU graphs in Windows* Task Manager not identical?
This is not unusual if you have a multi-core processor. Each box represents one of the cores in the processor. There will be 2 graphs for dual-cores processors and 4 graphs for quad-core processors etc. The graphs are not identical because very few applications can spread their processing load completely evenly across the cores. More advanced programs (ex. Games) are written to take advantage of multiple cores and will do a better job of spreading the processing load across the cores.

How can I disable a core on my multi-core processor?
Intel® Desktop Boards have BIOS options for disabling secondary cores. For Intel Desktop Boards, the BIOS option is generally called "Core Multiplexing Technology". If you have a non-Intel motherboard, you will need to check with your system vendor to determine if your system has a similar setting.

How can I tell if all the cores are working on my multi-core processor?
Open Windows* Task Manager and look at the Performance tab. You should see a graph for each core. If you do not see a graph for each core check the following:

• Make sure Task Manager is configured to show multiple graphs:
  • Open Task Manager
  • Click View/CPU History/One Graph Per CPU
• Make sure that you have the proper BIOS options in your system and processor
• Check the BIOS settings to make sure all cores are enabled
• Make sure that you have the latest updates for your operating system
• Run the Intel® Processor Identification Utility to ensure that you have a genuine Intel® processor and that it is being identified by your system.
  
  
  

Can I set a program to work with a specific core on my multi-core processor?
Yes, you can use the Set Affinity option in Windows* Task Manager to select which cores (or just one core) to work with the program. The Set Affinity option is available when you right click on a process in the Processes tab in Task Manager.

Note: There are also third party applications available for automatically setting processor affinity.