What is CPU Hyperthreading; If you are looking to buy a new system, you have probably come across processors called Hyperthreading. But what is Hyperthreading technology and how does it affect CPU performance?
In the world of computers, there are many specialized terms that confuse many users. When you want to buy a new system, you are definitely looking for the best processor possible. So in the following, we will introduce you to one of the most important technologies related to processors so that you can choose a better option.
What is a processor?
The CPU, or central processing unit, is simply the brain of your computer. Processors are used in a variety of gadgets such as desktops, laptops, and smartphones. A processor does its job by processing information provided by other components (such as RAM). When you run a program, it is the processor that must interpret the instructions and provide you with the results.
If you pay attention to the specifications of the processors, you have probably come across the term kernel many times. Each of these cores is practically another processor that can perform the necessary processing. Initially, processors had only one core. As the number of cores increased, processors were able to do more at the same time. Most computer processors are currently quad-core, but some even use eight cores.
In other words, the more cores, the better. But what does this have to do with Hyperthreading technology?
What is CPU Hyperthreading?
Conventional processors can only execute one instruction at a time, which is called single-threaded processors. In normal and single-thread mode, instruction 2 will have to wait for instruction 1 to execute, which means a decrease in CPU speed and performance.
Using Hyperthreading technology (which AMD has chosen as Simultaneous Multithreading), each processor core becomes two virtual cores, called Threads. These two virtual cores are able to process instructions simultaneously (if the program allows it), which means that the necessary technology actually doubles the number of cores in a processor.
So if your quad-core processor has Hyperthreading capability, you can use 8 virtual cores. Of course, the performance of these cores is not exactly equal to the performance of a processor with 8 physical cores, which we will discuss in more detail below.
How does Hyperthreading technology work?
As we said, these processors use Hyperthreading to convert real cores into virtual cores. These cores share CPU features such as an executable engine and cache. When each kernel is waiting and not doing a specific job, the other kernels can use the resources provided to do what they want.
As mentioned earlier, real cores provide more power than virtual cores. Because each of the physical nuclei has its own architecture and has more power and efficiency. Simply put, a quad-core processor with Hyperthreading capability has more power than a regular quad-core processor, but an 8-core processor is more powerful than both.
On the other hand, we must also mention the importance of the operating system and the software used. If the software is not ready to take advantage of this feature or can not take advantage of all the features of the processor, Hyperthreading technology will ultimately be less efficient.
Are the benefits of hyperthreading worth using this technology?
As we have mentioned several times, physical cores are more important than virtual cores. So when buying a processor, it is better to choose the option with more cores. Hyperthreading is not currently used for many applications. This feature is only important when you have to run several heavy programs and at the same time, these programs must be able to take advantage of this feature.
So if you use heavy programs (such as programs for video editing or 3D rendering), these programs can increase the processing speed by using Hyperthreading. But if you are a regular user who mainly uses your system for tasks such as typing or browsing, this feature does not change the speed of the system much. In addition, it should be noted that processors with this feature are usually more expensive.
Disadvantages of Hyperthreading
Processors with this capability consume more power than processors without this feature. So if you find you do not need this feature much, this increase in energy consumption will be a waste of money. On the other hand, as we said, these processors are more expensive, so among the 11th generation of Intel processors, only the i9 options and more expensive models use this feature.
Do you need to buy a processor with Hyperthreading capability?
If you are one of the users who put a lot of pressure on the system, this feature can have several benefits for you. But if you are a regular user who does not do much with the system, it is unnecessary to buy such processors.
In the future, there will certainly be more plans to take advantage of this feature. On the other hand, with the advancement of technology, applications put more pressure on the system, and in this situation, hyperthreading technology becomes doubly important. In any case, depending on your needs and the programs you use, you should make a choice in this regard.
The last word
Finally, a summary of the main points is as follows;
- Hyperthreading technology turns each of the physical cores into two virtual cores.
- Physical cores have more power than virtual cores.
- This technology is more suitable for heavy applications and is not very useful for everyday applications.
- Hyperthreading is likely to be more widely used in the near future.
Finally, this feature, although very useful for some users, but not very useful for a large group of users. Therefore, before buying a processor, pay attention to this issue so that you do not spend more money to buy a processor in vain.
