Hyperthreading is a process by which the CPU and RAM are able to run two CPU intensive tasks/applications simultaneously. With a DAW, you're typically only running your DAW software, meaning hyperthreading is not needed. Opus recommends disabling hyperthreading altogether in a DAW box capable of hyperthreading. Last week I finished building my new DAW box built around an Intel mobo (865 chipset) and a P4 processor (2.4ghz). I've disabled hyperthreading and so far everything is running great (running Pro Tools LE 6.1.1). Also be aware that dual channel RAM is built specifically for hyperthreading, so if you don't need hyperthreading, don't spend the extra $$$$ for dual channel memory. I've learned all this over the past couple of weeks, and if I've mis-stated anything here, I hope others here will correct me, but this is how I've come to understand all of this. Hope it helps.

You're pretty much right Jamie.

Hyperthreading makes the processor appear to be more than one processor to the OS. This is a fantastic piece of engineering on Intel's part. The problem is with Windows. Windows, like the classic Mac OS, treats each processor as an individual entity. So basically what happens is that a process, or a specific line of work is sent to one virtual processor, and another is sent to the second, and so on.

Processes, however, cannot be shared simultaneously between the multiple virtual processors in Windows. And that's the problem. If a single processor divides itself up as several virtual processors, each with its own processes to handle, when its process is finished, it can't help its virtual bretheren finish their tasks. It has no choice but to begin working on the next process. Or sit idle. Hence Wasted processor ticks. While this scheme does wonders for burst speed, (which serves the majority of computer users very well) its not good in the decathalon that we call audio/video production. Think of it as putting a sprinter in a marathon.

Mac OS X does it a little differently. It takes the total amount of processor power, sums it, and divides it between all processes. So in this scenario, multiple processors, or multiple virtual processors are very advantageous, hence Apple's love affair with dual processor desktop systems. Apple is one of the rare manufacturers who actually produce dual processor desktops, and this is a part of the reason.

Short answer: No it doesn't help disk streaming or A/D/A conversion.

Thanks to both of you; Not unlike my suspicions, and a very critical help for my purchase plans for near future! I so appreciate this forum and its top notch folks and am very proud to say I get to spend time and learn here.

http://www.mp3.com/Jbon

Glad to help Jeff!

mitz