Q&A: For “architecture” laptop: difference between (and benefits of) hyperthreading and multicore processor?
Posted by admin on Jul 23, 2010 in Keyword | 1 comment
Question by MysticKoolaid: For “architecture” laptop: difference between (and benefits of) hyperthreading and multicore processor?
Bear with me: As an architecture grad, I’d like a laptop that could handle such programs as Rhino, Revit Architecture, AutoCAD, 3dStudioMax, maybe even Generative Components, etc. 3D and rendering capabilities should happen seamlessly, even when a couple of these programs are open at once. Along with iTunes, of course… 
I recently found a forum in which it was suggested that a guy, who did video editing on his comp, get a hyperthreading processor at 3.0Ghz, because his current hardware wouldn’t handle such heavy tasks. While video-editing sounds more graphically demanding than architecture, I think both “fields” might share some similarities in hardware needs.
Now, I’ve only heard of Multi-core processors, which are constantly recommended for architecture students, given the nature of their computer programs. I’m even thinking of getting a Quad core (if it’s cheap enough). But now, with this “hyperthreading processor” I’d never heard about, I feel I should reconsider.
So, questions (hopefully they’re valid):
1) In layman’s terms, what is the basic difference between hyperthreading processors and multi-core processors, and how does it effect performance of the computer (generally, and specifically for drafting programs?) I’ve Wiki’d them both, and it’s implied they’re different, but it’s all Greek to me…
2) As someone who wants to run architecture/drafting/rendering programs smoothly in tandem, is it necessary to even consider a hyperthreading processor over a multicore processor (if there is in fact an advantage to hyperthreading)? Or will simply a multicore processor do the job?
Thanks a lot for your help!
Best answer:
Answer by Dank
Processors have come a long way in a very short amount of time. The jump to having multi core processors has been a dramatic improvement but the problem is that data must be threaded before being processed. (Something that windows does not prioritize very well) Therefore as you can benefit a lot from a quad core processor windows does not optimize the threading. To keep from speaking geek on you there are many dual core processors that will have plenty of speed to run some if not all of the programs you listed. You can benefit from quad core processing but is it worth the extra buck if you find a good deal then by all means go for it, but otherwise not necessarily required.
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