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Multi core questions and answers

Where can I learn more about dual-core and quad-core technology?
You can find out more about these technologies here:

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.

    Download information for Intel® Processor Identification Utility

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.

What does “Maximum System TDP” mean?
Maximum System TDP is the aggregate of the maximum TDP values for the Processor(s), MCH, and ICH of the grouping you have chosen or the search feature has found. Note that MCHs & ICHs may have varying TDP values depending on the number of active memory channels, the front-side bus speed, and other such factors. Please consult the respective Thermal Design Guides for the parts in question. For the sake of safe estimates, we have always chosen the highest possible TDP values.

What's the difference between Max TDP and Stepping TDP?
For processors, the TDP will sometimes vary depending on the stepping of the processor. The Max TDP is the highest TDP value of all the steppings. Stepping TDP is the TDP for that particular stepping of the processor.

What does “Intel® SIPP” mean?
Intel® Stable Image Platform Program, established in 2003. Delivers standardized HW platform and image stability for 1 year after product launch.

What does Halogen Free Mean?
A: Halogen Free implies the following: Bromine and/or chlorine in materials that may be used during processing, but do not remain within the final product are not included in this definition. The halogens fluorine (F), iodine (I), and astatine (At) are not restricted by this standard. “BFR/CFR and PVC-Free” Definition: An article must meet all of the following requirements to be defined as “BFR/CFR and PVC-Free”: 1) All PCB laminates must meet Br and Cl requirements for low halogen as defined in IPC-4101B 2) For components other than PCB laminates, all homogeneous materials must contain < 900 ppm (0.09%) of Bromine [if the Bromine (Br) source is from BFRs] and < 900 ppm (0.09%) of Chlorine [if the Chlorine (Cl) source is from CFRs or PVC. Higher concentrations of Br and Cl are allowed in homogenous materials of components other than PCB laminates as long as their sources are not BFRs, CFRs, PVC. 3) Although the elemental analysis for Br and Cl in homogeneous materials can be performed by any analytical method with sufficient sensitivity and selectivity, the presence or absence of BFRs, CFRs or PVC must be verified by any acceptable analytical techniques that allow for the unequivocal identification of the specific Br or Cl compounds, or by appropriate material declarations agreed to between customer and supplier.

Where can I find more processor-related information?
More information about Intel® processors can be found by searching the processor products database. If you are unable to locate the Intel® processor that you are looking for via search or browse, please send us your feedback to ARK_Support@intel.com.

This applies to:
Intel® Atom™ Processor
Intel® Core™ i7 Mobile Processor Extreme Edition
Intel® Core™2 Duo Desktop Processor
Intel® Core™2 Extreme Processor
Intel® Core™2 Quad Mobile Processor
Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor
Intel® Core™2 Solo Processor
Intel® Pentium® M Processor
Intel® Xeon® Processor 3000 Sequence

Solution ID: CS-028846
Date Created: 13-Feb-2008
Last Modified: 15-Mar-2010
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