A question about Intel and AMD Multicore Virtualisation?

Question

Hi, i am confused on the differences between Intel's and AMD's implementation of Quad-Core virtualisation. Am I right in understanding that when *not* using a multi-threaded application, that each application only gets assigned one core, but AMD's version utilizes all four cores even with single threaded applications? And if so, do all AMD quad-core CPU's support this? Thanks.

Answer 1

You are correct in your understanding on the first part, when not using multi-threaded applications each application only gets assigned one core, however not on the second part. AMD quad cores will only use one core on single threaded applications, they have no special technology that differs from Intel in this regard. Keep in mind two things though, in Windows you are never doing one thing at once, there are always numerous things running in the background, and secondly multi-threaded applications are the future, many media based applications already support this, and a great many soon to be released games will as well. Multithreading is definately the future, and within a few years I would estimate that virtually all programs will support it.

AMD does not currently have any quad cores available for the home market, and Intel only has a handful, but that will change within the next 2-3 months, as quad core will become readily available and will definately be the way to go when buying a new computer.