01
Introduction
On October 24, after a long wait, Intel’s next-generation desktop Core Ultra 200S series processors were officially launched.
This new generation has undergone significant changes. In some ways, it represents the culmination of the 12th to 14th generations of Core processors, with an updated architecture, the removal of hyper-threading, and production by TSMC. Additionally, the 13th and 14th generation Core processors faced significant challenges, with a complex set of sensitive factors intertwining, making this new release particularly noteworthy.
The most controversial change for many is the removal of hyper-threading. For example, while the Core i9-14900K has 8 large cores and 16 small cores for a total of 24 cores and 32 threads, the Core Ultra 9 285K also has 8 large cores and 16 small cores, totaling 24 cores, but with only 24 threads. Many people worry that this will impact performance.
This article will briefly introduce what hyper-threading is, its advantages and disadvantages, and why Intel decided to remove hyper-threading in the Core Ultra 200S series processors.
02
What is Hyper-Threading Technology?
Hyper-threading, abbreviated as “HT,” is a multi-threading technology developed by Intel that allows a single physical processor core to execute multiple threads simultaneously, typically two.
For processors with hyper-threading, the operating system treats each physical core as two separate logical processors, improving the processor’s parallel computing capability.
03
Advantages of Hyper-Threading
- Improved Computing Efficiency
The operating system can call and execute multiple threads simultaneously, maximizing processor resource utilization and reducing idle time. - Enhanced Multi-Tasking Performance
For applications that involve multi-tasking or multiple threads, hyper-threading can significantly improve performance by allowing more tasks to be handled simultaneously. - Faster Response Time
Even during intensive tasks, system responsiveness is maintained as the OS can allocate certain computing tasks to the extra logical processors.
04
Main Application Scenarios for Hyper-Threading
- Multi-Threaded Applications
This is especially useful for applications designed with multi-threading in mind, such as 3D modeling software, video rendering software, scientific computation, data mining, and machine learning. Hyper-threading significantly boosts computation speed by dividing a complex computing task into parts that can be processed in parallel. - Server Applications
In server environments, hyper-threading helps handle numerous concurrent requests, like web services, database queries, and file transfers, increasing throughput and enabling faster client response times. - Gaming Applications
Although most games primarily rely on single-core performance, some are optimized for multi-threading, and hyper-threading can provide higher frame rates and smoother gameplay.
05
Disadvantages of Hyper-Threading Technology
- Increased Power Consumption and Heat
While hyper-threading improves performance, it also increases power consumption and may generate more heat, which is especially relevant for portable devices like laptops. - Security Issues
Certain security vulnerabilities, like Spectre and Meltdown, can affect systems with hyper-threading. Although mitigations are available through software and firmware updates, these vulnerabilities have been a persistent issue for Intel. - Complex Scheduling Requirements
Maximizing the benefits of multi-threading requires perfect coordination among the OS, processor, and applications to properly allocate, call, recover, and release resources. This process becomes increasingly complex as the number of threads increases.
06
Intel Dilemma
In addition to the points above, Intel introduced a hybrid architecture with large and small cores in its 12th to 14th generation Core processors. The design intent was for high-load tasks to be assigned to large cores for better performance, and low-load tasks to small cores for reduced power consumption.
However, the effectiveness of this design depends on whether the mechanism can operate as Intel envisioned. If it works flawlessly, it indeed boosts performance and reduces power consumption. But if it fails, the design could backfire.
An extreme example would be if, contrary to design, high-load tasks are assigned to the small cores, resulting in low performance, while low-load tasks go to the large cores, increasing power consumption. Unfortunately, this scenario resembles the current state of Intel’s 13th and 14th generation Core processors, where performance struggles to improve, power consumption is high, and heat generation is excessive. In this context, Intel has little choice but to abandon multi-threading.
A further crucial point is that the removal of multi-threading in the Core Ultra 200S series processors has significantly simplified scheduling, indirectly avoiding many of the most challenging issues.
07
Actual Performance
According to current evaluations, the Core Ultra 9 285K, without multi-threading and with 8 fewer threads, has slightly lower gaming performance than the Core i9-14900K. However, the improvements in power consumption and thermal management are substantial, offering more room for performance enhancement in future generations.
08
Summary
In summary, Intel overestimated the complexity of effectively utilizing hybrid cores and multi-threading resources, as well as its own advancement in chip manufacturing. The practical outcome of the current design has unfortunately backfired, with drawbacks outweighing the benefits, compelling Intel to abandon multi-threading technology.
09
Future Outlook
In the past, new processor owners would often take pride in checking the number of logical processors in Device Manager and Task Manager. Now, with hyper-threading gone, the sudden reduction in thread count may indeed cause some disappointment and skepticism about processor performance.
However, there’s no need for concern, as the key to processor performance lies in efficient resource utilization. To this end, there are alternative approaches to achieve optimal performance, regardless of the specific technology or the number of logical processors displayed.
Intel has already started exploring such solutions, including “Rentable Unit” technology, which has the potential to improve hybrid architecture processor performance and optimize task allocation and scheduling. More details will be covered in future articles—stay tuned.
Note: This article reflects the personal views of the author for reference only.
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