Dell XPS manual Optimizing Performance, Intel Performance Acceleration Technology, Hyper-Threading

Optimizing Performance

Intel® Performance Acceleration Technology

Your Dell™ Dimension™ XPS computer is equipped with the Intel 875P chip set, which utilizes Performance Acceleration Technology (PAT). PAT is designed to optimize performance by reducing the latency between DDR 400 memory and 800 front-side bus processors, and helps provide high performance to meet the requirements for today’s demanding software.

DDR Memory and Processor Front-Side Bus

The performance of your computer’s DDR memory depends on the type of memory installed and the clock speed of your processor. For your computer, the memory type is DDR 400 (PC3200), so for an 800 MHz front-side bus processor, the memory performs at 400 MHz, while for a 533 front- side bus processor, the memory performs at 333 MHz. For information on installing memory, see page 73. For more information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" on page 105.

Hyper-Threading

NOTE: Hyper-Threading is supported only on computers that have 3.06-GHz (or higher) processors installed, or on computers that are running 800-MHz front-side bus processors.

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 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:

1Click the Start button, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.

2Click Hardware and click Device Manager.

3In the Device Manager window, click the plus (+) sign next to the processor type. If Hyper- Threading is enabled, the processor is listed twice.

Optimizing Performance

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