How to Optimize a Quad Core Processor
Processors, or CPUs, are small devices attached to the inside of a PC that perform all the many calculations the PC needs to function. Processors come in many models, the most common being the Dual Core and Quad Core processors. Quad Core processors contain four processor cores, effectively quadrupling its performance over a normal single core processor. You can optimize your computer to utilize the most of the Quad Core processor by changing a few settings located in the Control Panel.
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Instructions
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Click the "Start" button to open the start menu and choose the "Control Panel" option. Once inside the "Control Panel" click the "System and Maintenance" link, and then "Power Options."
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Select a power plan from the options on the right side of the window. Choose "Balanced" for decent processor performance without causing excessive heat, or choose "High Performance" for excellent processor performance at the cost of increased heat output from the processor.
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Click "Change plan settings" under the power plan you have chosen. Click "Change advanced power settings" near the bottom of the window.
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Scroll through the window to the "Processor power management" field and expand it. Select the "Maximum Processor State" field and type "100" into the number field. This value enables all of the processor to work on tasks ordered by the computer.
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Click the "Minimum Processor State" field and highlight the number. Type a number in the range of 50 to 100. This is the percentage of the Quad Core processor used at all times. Setting this value higher increases performance but increases heat output by having the processor running constantly. Click "OK" to leave the windows.
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Tips & Warnings
To extend the life of your PC's power supply and Quad Core CPU, set a lower end power plan such as "Power Saver" when the computer will not be in use for some time.
References
- Photo Credit processor image by Orlando Florin Rosu from Fotolia.com
