Since the original technology Windows operation in terms of the computing capabilities of the processor, it involves the use of only one processor core, and if there is a shortage of the rest, many owners of computer systems based on multi-core processors quite naturally wonder how to enable additional cores on Windows 7 or on any other system. But the very essence of the question comes down to what kind of performance effect using all the cores can give, and in general, is it worth doing such things. Let's try to figure it out.
What does enabling all processor cores do?
A processor is a device that has disabilities in terms of calculations. It has limitations or, if you like, a certain ceiling on the number of operations performed. That is, even if it has at least 4 or 8 cores, it will not jump above its capabilities. This means that no matter how fast data is transferred to it, its volume for processing will always remain the same. In some ways this is akin to even downloading RAM.
Before deciding how to enable all kernels on Windows 7, you need to clearly understand how it all works. You can compare this, for example, with eating. You can operate with one hand or two. In this example, the mouth (or stomach) can be compared to the processor and the hands to the nuclei. Putting several pieces of cake into your mouth with one hand will be slower, with two - faster. But this does not mean that the mouth will fit more than as much as it is designed for. Same with processors. Accelerating the loading of computational operations into the processor does not always contribute to their speedy execution. And information processing can be compared not only to chewing food, but also to swallowing. It’s clear that you won’t be able to swallow more than what’s allowed.
However, if you can chew fast enough, similar to modern processors that are able to “swallow” information, why not?
Is this really necessary?
How advisable it is to do this is up to everyone to decide for themselves. But when deciding how to enable a second core on Windows 7, provided you have a 2-core processor, it is worth considering several points.
It is unlikely that a significant increase in performance will be achieved, 10-15% (although for some systems or resource-intensive programs this is a fairly significant indicator). But the problem is that the use of each core is tied to the amount of RAM. But here problems can arise, because when commands are redirected to each processor core, RAM may overflow, and the entire system will simply hang.
How to enable all cores on Windows 7 via BIOS?
But if the decision to enable all cores is made, you should first pay attention to the settings of the primary BIOS system. Initially, the activation, regardless of the software environment of the installed operating system, must be done there.
After logging in, you should find a section with a name like Advanced Clock Calibration. On most systems, the default is Auto. This means that additional cores will only be used if the main core cannot handle the operations. There is nothing simpler than setting the All Cores value, which will correspond to the use of all processor cores, regardless of the number and type of operations being performed.
Accessing settings via system configuration
Now let’s pay attention to how to enable all kernels on Windows 7 in the software environment of the system itself. Some users make the mistake of thinking that such actions can be performed in the standard Control Panel. Nothing of the kind! You will have to use the “Run” console or in the English version of the system - Run (Win + R). In it you need to enter the msconfig command (a unified tool for accessing Windows configuration for all systems), go to the boot tab, and then click on the button to configure additional settings.
Now, actually, about how to enable all cores on Windows 7. In the new window on the left, the number of cores is set, which corresponds to the number of processors, and on the right, the required amount of RAM is set.
Mandatory conditions and parameters
With RAM, things are not so simple. Although the system itself determines the amount of memory allocated to each core, seemingly automatically, you should not delude yourself on this score.
It is generally accepted, according to established standards, that 2 GB of RAM corresponds to 2-core processors, 4 GB corresponds to 4-core processors, etc. But even here, not everything is so simple. Each core must be allocated at least 1 GB of RAM. If the computer system configuration does not meet the established requirements, you don’t even have to try to make any settings (nothing will work anyway).
On the other hand, in the question of how to enable all cores on Windows 7, one should not lose sight of the fact that modern processors have capabilities higher than stated. For example, the second generation Intel Core i7 processors installed in laptops, in terms of computational processing, correspond to 4-core processors in stationary systems. Therefore, it should not be surprising that with 8 GB of RAM the memory will be allocated differently (given two threads). The value for the number of processors will indicate 4 (although there is actually one with two dual-threaded cores) with the corresponding memory allocation.
Instead of a total
Finally, in conclusion, it is worth asking yourself whether such adjustments are worth pursuing. In general, if a system with a sufficiently large amount of RAM and a powerful processor does not show signs of slowdown, it is better not to touch the system settings in this regard, otherwise you can even achieve the completely opposite effect when, due to loading data too quickly, the processor simply will not be able to cope with such volumes of calculations, despite the use of all cores. As you might have already guessed, this requires fine tuning, and not everyone can do this. Overlockers can overclock processors, but this is fraught with some negative consequences for processors in terms of physical failure.
Computer performance depends on many things. One of them is the number of cores in the processor. But not all available cores are always used. Perhaps they exist, but are idle.
What does multi-core affect?
The processor core serves computer. It is this that performs most of the tasks assigned by the user.
If there is only one core, then only it performs all functions, which leads to the formation of a queue. For example, the queue is noticeable when you run several programs and they open one after the other, rather than simultaneously. This means that the kernel first starts one application, and then starts the second.
But if the processor has two, four, or six cores, then existing tasks are distributed among them, which reduces the number of requests queued for execution. For example, if you run two programs on a dual-core processor, then one core will run one application, and the second will run the other.
Not all programs support the division of tasks into cores, but every year there are more and more of them. By the way, Windows comes in 32 and 64-bit versions, that is, the version of the operating system for a single-core and dual-core processor is different.
So, the number of cores ultimately affects the speed of task execution: the more cores, the sooner they will complete everything that is required of them.
How to find out the number of cores
Before enabling additional cores, you need to find out if the processor has them. Firstly, information about the processor is presented in the instructions for it or on the manufacturer’s official website. To find out your processor model, follow these steps:
Secondly, information can be found through system settings and third-party programs.
Via "Device Manager"
To find out the number of processor cores through Device Manager, follow these steps:
Video: how to find out the number of cores using Device Manager
Via CPU-Z
CPU-Z is a free utility that provides detailed information about your computer. On its main page “CPU” there is a line “Number of active cores”, which indicates the number of available cores.
Look at the Cores line in the CPU-Z utility to find out the number of processor cores
Via AIDA64
AIDA64 also has a free version of the program that you can use. Having opened it, go to “System board” - “CPU”. Find the Multi CPU block and count how many cores are described in it.
Look at the Multi CPU block to find out the number of cores
Via Everest
One more free program, which allows you to find out the number of processor cores. To do this, you need to launch it and go to the item “Motherboard” - “CPU” - Multi CPU block.
Expand the CPU tab and look at the Multi CPU block to find out the number of cores
Core activation
If you are convinced that not all processor cores are used, it’s time to activate them. This can be done in different ways, one of them won't even require you to log in.
Using system settings
Follow these steps:
If the system starts to work incorrectly, go back to the parameters and set the memory value below the maximum.
Please note minimum quantity memory for one core - 1024 MB. If a value lower than this is used, the computer will only start to run slower, no matter how many cores are used.
Video: how to activate kernels using system settings
Using BIOS settings
If you do not have access to the system, you can activate the kernels in the BIOS:
Video: How to enable unused cores using BIOS
Deactivating kernels
If for some reason you need to disable the use of extra cores, you must follow the same steps as described above in the “Activating Cores” instructions, but do not install maximum quantity cores, but what you need.
It is not possible to disable all cores. At least one thing must work, otherwise there will simply be no one to manage the system.
What to do if the computer does not see all cores
If you are sure that the computer is showing you an unreliable number of cores, then first go to the msconfig settings and uncheck all the boxes in the advanced boot options. Restart your computer and check if this solves the problem.
Uncheck advanced boot options
After that, check whether the Advanced Clock Calibration item in the BIOS is set to All Cores or Auto. The CPU Core Control item must be set to Automatic Mode.
Set to Automatic Mode
The system may not have installed the processor drivers correctly. You will have to reinstall them manually:
There are known cases when a similar error occurred after updating to a new version of the operating system. In such situations, you need to install/reinstall the system from scratch to get rid of the error.
Video: what to do if the computer does not see all cores
So, if you have the ability to use more cores than are active on at the moment, do it. But keep in mind that this will require sufficient quantity RAM. You can activate kernels through system settings or BIOS.
Instructions
Make sure that the computer motherboard meets all the requirements to enable the additional core and remember that the selected procedure may lead to system malfunction.
Don't forget to reboot your computer system after performing the extra kernel unlock operation and test it for functionality.
For Asus: - AMD SB750 and 710 south bridges - go to the Advanced tab and select the CPU Configuration item, select the Enabled option in the Advanced Clock Calibration line and repeat the same action in the Unleashing Mode field that appears; - nVidia chipset - go to the Advanced tab and use section JumperFree Configurarion, check the box in the NVIDIA Core Callibration field to perform the desired action; - motherboards that support the Asus Core Unlocker function - go to the Advanced tab and use the CPU Core Activation items together with Asus Core Unlocker.
For MSI: - AMD SB750 and 710 southbridges - expand the Cell Menu and check the boxes in the Advanced Clock Calibration field, repeat the same action in the Unlock CPU Core line; - nVidia chipset - expand the Cell Menu and go to the NVIDIA Core Calibration section; - motherboards boards that support MSI's Unlock CPU Core function - open the Cell Menu and use the Unlock CPU Core item.
For AsRock: - AMD SB750 and 710 south bridges - go to the Advanced tab and specify the Advanced Clock Calibration command (possible options: open the OS Tweaker menu and select the same command), the L3 cache is managed in the L3 Cache Allocation section; - nVidia chipset supporting NCC function - go to the Advanced tab and select the NVIDIA Core Callibration item, enable the additional poison in the Active Core Setup line; - motherboards that support the UCC function - open the OS Tweaker menu and go to the ASRock UCC section, enable the additional core in the CPU Active line Core Control.
Sources:
- Enabling hidden kernels
Enabling the operation of two processor cores in a computer occurs in several ways. Please note that many of them can damage your processor, so use only software methods.
You will need
- - skills confident user PC.
Instructions
If your computer configuration includes a dual-core processor, enable Hyper-threading in Settings. To do this, restart it; when loading, press the key responsible for entering this program. In most desktop computers this is Delete, in laptops - F1, F2, F8, F10, Fn+F1, Delete, Fn+Delete and other combinations depending on the motherboard model. If required, enter your login password.
Use the arrow keys to scroll through the BIOS program menu and become familiar with its interface. Find the option to enable Hyper-threading mode, it may be in the processor settings, but it may also depend on the model of your motherboard. Place a flashing cursor at its position and change the position to On using the plus/minus buttons. Exit the program, saving the changes.
If your computer has more than two cores and you need to enable only 2 of them, use special programs. Please note that they are often unreliable and only roll back changes to complete removal operating system with formatting of the local disk. This option is especially common when using Windows Xp on multi-core computers. The configuration of this operating system simply does not include the function of changing the number of running cores, since it was produced at a time when processors were common, so rolling back changes may not be possible, even if you resort to third-party utilities. Only reinstallation on Windows Seven will help here.
If you need to change the number of cores to make the software version compatible with the configuration, change the startup file attributes of this program by right-clicking on it and selecting XP or Vista compatibility mode.
Video on the topic
Please note
Please note that reducing the number of working cores to two may be irreversible under Windows XP.
The second processor core is usually used by default in the operating system. Windows system XP, however some programs require it to be disabled to work correctly. After this, it may be difficult to return to the original settings.
You will need
- - optimization program.
Instructions
Make sure the second core processor is disabled. To do this, open the Windows task manager by pressing the keyboard shortcut Alt+Ctrl+Delete or Shift+Ctrl+Esc, and then go to the system performance tab. Pay attention to how many parts the processor load window is divided into; if it is two, then both cores are enabled and functioning at the proper level.
In the case when you have only one functioning core of the two, in the Windows XP operating system, download and install an optimization program that tunes the processor. After installation, go to your computer's hardware management and enable both processor cores. IN mandatory restart the computer, even if the optimization program does not require it, do not forget to save the changes made first.
To check the operation of both cores of your computer, turn it on and launch a game or program, system requirements which assumes you have a dual-core processor. Launch the task manager and in the system performance viewing tab, look at the load on both elements. It may be different for them, since the load is not always distributed evenly.
Turn on the second core processor by rolling back the motherboard driver installed on your computer. Prepare the driver in advance for subsequent installation, preferably an updated version. Reinstall software, then restart your computer again.
Check the functionality of both cores in Device Manager. This sequence works in very rare cases. You can also try restoring the system from an earlier state, but in this case, other changes you have made over the period of time will also be canceled.
Make changes to the processor less often.
Sources:
- how to put it into operation
The processor core is a silicon crystal with an area of about 10 square millimeters, on which the processor circuit, the so-called architecture, is implemented using microscopic computing elements.
Processor core device
The core is connected to the processor chip using a technology called flip-chip, which literally means a core. The technology has this name due to the method of attachment - the visible part of the core is its internal part. This ensures direct contact of the core with the cooler's radiator to improve heat transfer and prevent overheating. WITH reverse side The core contains solder bumps - bump pins that connect the die to the rest of the chip.
The core is located on a textolite base, along which contact tracks connect to the contact pads. The core itself is covered with a protective metal cover, under which it is filled with a thermal interface.
Why do we need multi-core processors?
A multi-core processor is a central microprocessor that contains two or more processing cores in a single package or on a single processor chip.
The first microprocessor was developed by Intel in 1997 and was called the Intel 4004. It operated at a clock frequency of 108 kHz and consisted of 2,300 transistors. Over time, demands on the computing power of processors began to increase. For a long time, its increase occurred due to an increase in the clock frequency. However, at a certain stage of microtechnology development, developers were faced with a number of physical barriers associated with approaching technological processes manufacturing to the size of the silicon atom from which the core is made.
Thus, the developers came up with the idea of creating a multi-core processor. Multi-core chips operate two or more cores simultaneously, thereby allowing for greater performance at a lower clock speed by executing two or more independent job threads in parallel.
Hello everyone, my dear friends and guests of my blog. Today I will tell you how to enable all cores in Windows 10 on your computer in order to slightly improve the startup speed of your computer. By the way, a quick question for you: Do you know how many cores your PC’s processor uses when you’re working on it? Two? Four? Eight?. The answer is waiting for you in the article.
Probably, none of you will be surprised by such a phrase as processor core. And this is right, because now is not that time. Therefore, in this article I will not tell you what they are, what they are for, etc. I just want to ask you, do you know how many cores you have specifically? If not, then I will tell you several ways.
Windows Internal Tools
AIDA64
You can also turn to a third-party program, for example AIDA64. After downloading and launching it, go to "System board"- “CPU” - “MultiCPU”. Count the number of positions in a given item and you will find out total quantity cores.
Speecy
Another great and free program - Speecy. I already looked at it when we checked. Here you will need to go to the CPU section, and then pay attention to the “Threads” item. This is exactly what we are looking for
Turn on all cores
In order to use all the kernels you have to boot the system, you will need to call ( Win+R) and write msconfig there. After that, look for the tab where we click on the button "Advanced options".
As you can see, by default there is no checkmark next to the item "Number of processors", which means that only one is used by default. In order to change this whole situation, you need to check the box and select the desired number of processors from the drop-down list.
Will the PC speed change after this manipulation?
I hasten to upset you, no matter what myths there are about this method, it does not affect the speed of work in any way. This feature only affects system loading, since by default only one processor is used for this task. But when the system is already loaded, all the other cores come into play, and each of them works in its own way, at a different frequency.
That is, if one core is enough to complete a task, then there is no point in using the rest. And if the tasks are more difficult, then the rest of the comrades also come into play.
In general, if I were you, I wouldn’t bother about this at all. It is better to pay attention to other points so that your...
That's basically all I have. I hope you liked the article and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog updates if you haven’t already. Good luck to you. Bye bye!
Best regards, Dmitry Kostin.
All modern computers- These are multi-core devices that affect system performance. However, Windows 7, like any other operating system, does not use the processor cores to their full capacity. This is due to saving resources on the PC itself. Therefore, if your programs do not slow down and errors do not occur, we do not recommend using all the cores of the graphics accelerator. This action should be performed in cases where the PC power is not enough to run standard programs and games.
Configuring kernels through the startup menu
This option for using all the processor power is the simplest and safest. It is suitable for all versions of Windows OS (except XP). Any user, even a beginner, can perform the above steps.
- Press “Win+R” and enter “msconfig”.
- The System Configuration window will open. Go to the “Download” tab and click “Advanced options”.
- In the window that appears, check the “Number of processors” box so that the item with the choice of cores becomes active. We set the maximum memory.
- Afterwards we save the result and reboot the system. Multitasking mode will turn on.
IMPORTANT! If your PC turns off during advanced settings, check whether your power supply has enough power.
Advanced CPU settings with AIDA64
The AIDA64 program is useful not only for its reports on the status and characteristics of individual PC components, but also for its functions of unlocking processor cores. To use the CPU capabilities using this program, you should do the following:
- We launch the program and select “Motherboard”, “CPU” in the menu on the left.
- Next, turn on each of the cores and reboot the system.
If the involved kernels did not bring benefits, it is worth returning the settings back.
Using CPU Cores Using CPU-Z
The CPU-Z program allows you not only to check what characteristics a particular PC component has, but also to optimize the operation of some of them. In order to enable all kernels, you must do the following:
- Let's launch the program. Go to the “CPU” tab.
- In the “Theads” item you need to set the value the same as in “Cores”.
- After rebooting the system, you need to check the changed settings.
Overclocking the processor using BIOS settings
To use all the cores of the graphics accelerator, you should go to the BIOS. To do this, restart your PC and press “F2” or “Del” several times. Then you need to make the following settings:
- Find the “Clock Calibration” section (It is only available for AMD products). Set the value to “All Cores”. In the “Value” item we set the value as a percentage.
- After rebooting the system, it is worth checking the PC for functionality.
These methods are quite simple and in rare cases cause the system to crash. However, if after editing the settings errors begin to appear, you should stop unlocking the cores and return the settings back.
To learn how to enable processor cores on a PC with Windows 7 and higher, watch the video:
