What is Hyper-Threading and Why Do I Want It?

June 26, 2015

What is Hyper-Threading?

Hyper-threading (often abbreviated as HT or referred to as Hyper-Threading Technology) is a proprietary Intel process that improves computation parallelization. For Intel processors that support Hyper-threading and software that utilizes it, Windows recognizes each physical core as two virtual cores, spreading the processing load between them. Essentially what this means is that quad core processors with hyper-threading operate as eight core processors, hexa core operate as 12-core, and so on.

Which processors support Hyper-threading?

As a general rule, Hyper-threading is a unique feature of all Intel Core i7 and Xeon processors. Core i5 and Core i3 processors do not support Hyper-threading, so when trying to decide between the fastest i5 and the slowest i7, what you’re really asking yourself is do you need Hyper-threading or not.

Do I Need Hyper-threading?

Ok then, do I? The answer here really depends on what specific applications you use your PC for. If you’re a casual user doing light picture editing, web browsing, and flash-based gaming, you probably won’t see a huge advantage to upgrading to a hyper-threaded processor. For power users and multitaskers that primarily use multi-threaded applications like professional video editing software or photo software like Photoshop, a Hyper-threaded i7 is a good investment.

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Josh Covington

Josh has been with Velocity Micro since 2007 in various Marketing, PR, and Sales related roles. As the Director of Sales & Marketing, he is responsible for all Direct and Retail sales as well as Marketing activities. He enjoys Seinfeld reruns, the Atlanta Braves, and Beatles songs written by John, Paul, or George. Sorry, Ringo.

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