Dell XPS/Dimension XPS Gen 2 - Manual (Page 27)

Optimizing Performance
27
Optimizing Performance
Intel
®
Performance Acceleration Technology
Your Dell™ Dimension™ XPS computer is equipped with the Intel 875P chip set, which utilizes
Performance Acceleration Technology (PAT). PAT is designed to optimize performance by reducing
the latency between DDR 400 memory and 800 front-side bus processors, and helps provide high
performance to meet the requirements for today’s demanding software.
DDR Memory and Processor Front-Side Bus
The performance of your computer’s DDR memory depends on the type of memory installed and
the clock speed of your processor. For your computer, the memory type is DDR 400 (PC3200), so
for an 800 MHz front-side bus processor, the memory performs at 400 MHz, while for a 533 front-
side bus processor, the memory performs at 333 MHz. For information on installing memory, see
page 73. For more information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory"
on page 105.
Hyper-Threading
NOTE:
Hyper-Threading is supported only on computers that have 3.06-GHz (or higher) processors
installed, or on computers that are running 800-MHz front-side bus processors.
Hyper-Threading is an Intel
®
technology that can enhance overall computer performance by
allowing one physical processor to function as two logical processors, capable of performing certain
tasks simultaneously. It is recommended that you use the Microsoft
®
Windows
®
XP operating
system because Windows XP is optimized to take advantage of Hyper-Threading technology. While
many programs can benefit from Hyper-Threading, some programs have not been optimized for
Hyper-Threading and may require an update from the software manufacturer. Contact the software
manufacturer for updates and information about using Hyper-Threading with your software.
To determine if your computer is using Hyper-Threading technology:
1 Click the Start button, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2 Click Hardware and click Device Manager.
3 In the Device Manager window, click the plus (+) sign next to the processor type. If Hyper-
Threading is enabled, the processor is listed twice.
T2310bk2.book Page 27 Thursday, February 5, 2004 10:00 AM