Hyper-threading
It is a new technology used by Intel for its processors like Xeon, Pentium 4, Atom and in Core series. This technology increases computers throughput as workload is divided between two cores of CPU. It enables multi-threaded software applications to execute threads in parallel which again leads to increase in computer performance (Improvement in response and reaction time).
Hyper-threading technology is a form of Simultaneous Multi-threading Technology (SMT) where software can run multiple threads without overloading the processor. In this technology as stated above multiple threads of software application can be run simultaneously on one processor and this is achieved by duplicating the architectural state on each processor while sharing one set of processor execution resources.
It is widely accepted that it is faster than the previous technologies however it is energy-inefficient. It uses 46% more energy than dual CPU design and also increases cache crashing by 42%. Currently Intel has released Core i7 processor (Codename – Nahelam) in late 2008. It contains 4 cores and can process 8 threads. In peoples mind doubts are present whether Multi-threading and Hyper-threading is same or different. No, They both are different.
Hyper-threading is using one processor but logically dividing it into two so that it gives the user the benefit of two processors with only using the resources equivalent to almost one. In Multi-threading processors are time-sliced such that it gives the user illusion that all the programs are being run at same time.
By AVISHKAR PARANJAPE
Author can be contacted at : paranjape_aavishkar@yahoo.co.in
