What is Hyper-Threading?

Hyper-threading, a technology from Intel, boosts CPU performance by allowing for more simultaneous tasks through improved parallel computation. This feature is standard in many of Intel's latest CPUs, including the Intel Core, Core vPro, Xeon, and Core M series. It's enabled by default on compatible systems, so users can benefit immediately without adjusting settings.

How Does It Work? 

Hyper-threading enhances CPU efficiency by dividing each physical core into two logical cores or threads. This allows the CPU to handle multiple instructions in parallel. For instance, a CPU like the Intel 10900K with 10 cores can manage 20 threads, significantly improving performance. However, to utilize hyper-threading, the operating system and BIOS must support it, though it's typically enabled by default, requiring no extra steps from the user.
 

Hyper-threaded CPUs differ from multi-core processors, which have several physical processors on a silicon chip. In hyper-threaded CPUs, the logical processors within a core share resources like cache and execution engines. This setup is beneficial as it allows one logical processor to use the resources if the other is idle, for instance, waiting for data. This efficient resource allocation lets each core be used to its fullest, enhancing processor throughput and overall system performance. Intel reports that hyper-threaded CPUs can perform up to 30% better than their non-hyper-threaded counterparts.

Intel's hyper-threading technology offers several advantages. It allows for the simultaneous running of demanding applications, enhancing system responsiveness and efficiency. This leads to quicker task completion and faster application response times, supporting future business growth. However, the performance improvement from hyper-threading largely depends on the operating system and software optimization. Applications not optimized for hyper-threading won't see much benefit, unlike those specifically tailored to utilize this technology.
 

How Can You Enable Hyperthreading? 

To use hyper-threading, both your CPU and motherboard must support it. Typically, if they do, hyper-threading is enabled by default. However, if it's turned off for any reason, you can activate it in your BIOS by setting it to 'enabled.' Similarly, to disable hyper-threading, change the setting to 'disabled' in the BIOS. When disabled, your operating system will recognize each core as having just one thread.
 

Why is Hyperthreading Important? 

CPUs with Hyper-threading vs. CPUs None Hyper-threading 

A hyper-threading CPU can run multiple threads on each core, allowing more parallel processing. This means a CPU with hyper-threading can handle more tasks simultaneously compared to a non-hyper-threaded CPU, which manages only one software thread per core. For instance, a hyper-threaded CPU will appear in the system as having two logical cores for each physical core. This setup lets each core process several software threads at once. Two logical cores can be more efficient than a single-threaded core, as they utilize idle times when the core would otherwise be waiting. Intel suggests that hyper-threading can improve CPU performance by up to 30%.
 

What is the Difference Between Single-Threaded Applications and Multi-threaded Applications? 

 
In single-threaded applications, instructions are executed one at a time in a single sequence. In contrast, multi-threaded applications execute instructions in multiple sequences simultaneously. This multithreading is a type of parallelization, dividing the application's workload for parallel processing. Rather than burdening a single core with a large task, multi-threaded applications split the workload into several software threads. This allows multiple CPU cores to process these threads in parallel. However, to benefit from multithreading, the software or application in use must be designed for multi-threading.
 

What Are the Benefits of Hyper-threading? 

Do All Intel Processors Come with Hyper-threading? 

 

Not every Intel processor includes hyper-threading. For instance, while new Intel Xeon processors feature hyper-threading, Intel Atom processors vary, with some models having it and others not. As for Intel Core processors, it's a mix: i7 and i9 processors typically have hyper-threading, but it's less common in some i3 and i5 models.
 

Should You Enable Intel Hyper-threading? 

Does Microsoft Windows Support Hyperthreading? 

Yes, Microsoft Windows recognizes hyper-threading. The operating system utilizes the second architectural state of a physical processor core only when there are more active threads than physical cores. Using Windows' performance monitoring tool, you'll notice that the system identifies each physical core as two logical cores. Take the Intel i9 10900K, for example, it has 10 physical cores but is seen by Windows as having 20 threads (10 cores, 20 threads). However, enabling hyper-threading doesn't double performance. Each logical processor shares microarchitecture components with its counterpart, so the performance increase isn't twofold. Intel states that hyper-threading can boost performance by up to 30% in a single socket system, which is significant but not a doubling of performance.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. When did Intel start using Hyperthreading?
Intel introduced hyper-threading with the Pentium 4 in 2002. This CPU had a single core that acted as two logical cores for the operating system.
 

2. Are more threads as effective as more cores?

No. Cores operate independently with their own resources, while threads share the same core's resources.

​​​3. Do all Intel i7 CPUs have hyper-threading?
No, some i7 CPUs, like the i7-9700K, don't have hyper-threading. This model has 8 cores and 8 threads, meaning one thread per core.

4. How does hyper-threading improve performance?
Hyper-threading makes CPUs more efficient by allowing multiple threads to run on each core. This boosts the processor's throughput and enhances software performance.

5.Does AMD offer a technology like Intel's hyper-threading?
Yes, AMD's version of this technology is called simultaneous multithreading, which similarly improves task distribution and handling.

6. Can hyper-threading be turned off?
Yes, you can disable hyper-threading in the BIOS settings of your computer.

7. Is hyper-threading useful for gaming?
Hyper-threading can improve gaming in some scenarios, particularly in games optimized for multiple threads.