HyperThreading (HT) and Turbo Boost technology

HyperThreading - Image from Intel

HyperThreading Technology

Hyperthreading (HT) technology is Intel's term for simultaneous multithreading. It fundamentally signifies that one CPU core can work on two problems or processes at the same time. It doesn't indicate that the CPU can do twofold as much work. Just that it can guarantee that all its capability is utilized by dealing with several simpler problems or processes at once. Two logical cores can operate through tasks more effectively than a traditional single-threaded core. 

By considering the advantage of idle time when the core would previously be waiting for other jobs to finished, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology enhances CPU output by up to 30% in several applications. Hyper-Threading is enabled by default, but it can be turned on and off from the BIOS interface by setting the Hyper-Threading Technology to “Enable” or “Disable.”

With CPU Hyper-Threading, a PC or laptop can handle more information in less time and run more background jobs without interruption. Under the correct conditions, the technology allows CPU cores to efficiently do two things at once. Multitaskers, streamers, and professionals throwing heavily threaded programs can increase their computing experience by advancing to a gaming laptop or gaming desktop CPU with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology.

When a processor uses HT technology, it creates two logical processors for each physical processor core. This means that a processor with four cores and HT technology can execute up to eight threads simultaneously. Each thread is assigned a dedicated set of resources within the processor, such as registers and execution units. This allows for better resource utilization, as well as more efficient processing of complex tasks.

HT technology is especially useful for applications that involve a lot of multitasking, such as video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific simulations. It allows for better performance when running multiple applications at the same time or when running a single application that uses multiple threads.

However, it's important to note that not all applications can take advantage of HT technology. Some applications are designed to run on a specific number of cores and may not benefit from additional logical cores. In some cases, enabling HT technology may even lead to decreased performance due to increased overhead.

Overall, HT technology is a useful feature for improving system performance in multitasking scenarios, but its effectiveness will depend on the specific use case and application being used.

Intel Turbo Boost Technology

Intel Turbo Boost Technology, on the other hand, is a method to automatically handle the processor core quicker than the indicated frequency. The processor should be working in the power, temperature, and specification parameters of the thermal design power (TDP). This affects the improved operation of both single and multithreaded applications. There is no need to set up any software or application to reinforce Intel® Turbo Boost Technology. It is a feature supported by some Intel Processors.

Turbo Boost Technology is another technology developed by Intel that allows a processor to automatically increase its clock speed above its base frequency when it detects that more processing power is needed. This means that when a processor is running a demanding application, it can temporarily increase its clock speed to provide better performance.

The Turbo Boost feature works by monitoring the workload of the processor and adjusting the clock speed based on how many cores are being used, the temperature of the processor, and the available power. This allows the processor to dynamically adjust its clock speed to optimize performance while staying within safe thermal and power limits.

For example, a processor with a base clock speed of 2.4GHz and a maximum Turbo Boost frequency of 3.0GHz may operate at 2.6GHz when running a moderately demanding application, but can increase to 3.0GHz when running a more demanding application.

Turbo Boost technology is especially useful for tasks that require short bursts of processing power, such as opening applications or loading files, where the processor can temporarily increase its clock speed to improve performance. However, it's important to note that Turbo Boost technology can also increase the temperature of the processor, so it's important to ensure that your system has adequate cooling to prevent overheating.

Intel Turbo Boost Technology has two types. Intel Turbo Boost Technology was initially presented in late 2008 with the Intel® Core™ i7-9xx Processor Series. Intel Turbo Boost Technology v2.0 was announced in 2011 with the Intel® Core™ i5-2xxx and i7-2xxx Desktop Processors. Version 2.0 runs in the same manner as the first application and was enhanced for the new microarchitecture presented at the time.