Super-pi Test in dual core processors

I have a doubt about this test during the process to calculate pi with 2M digits. I use a widget "CPU meter" that always shows 50% during the test and without running anything else. My question is if Super-pi program use both cores of the processor or just only one like it seems to me?. You can see it in the attached image.


One other thing, my laptop is a Vaio-N with WinXP loaded, so when i tested the first time Super-pi calculates 2M in 1m26s. Now since I used a patch for WinXP that allows to improve the use of both cores of the processor and other modifications on the boot.ini file that I read in another thread, well now Super-pi does 1m35s. Notice that in both tests my CPU meter shows 50%, but I feel my system is faster now although Super-pi show me the oposite. What It´s really happening?

 

SuperPI is a single-threaded benchmark...it's good for only estimating how each core will perform in math/sci/engr applications.

It is slower probably because that patch forces XP to allocate a few CPU cycles to optimizing the rest of the load between the two cores. That's where the performance loss on a single thread went, but why you multitasking system seems to perform faster.

 

Don't sweat it, night_2004 said it best. Those are still top of the line scores despite using only half of your processing power. Take pride in that

 

Sorry, I'm not trying to hijack your thread, but what is this patch you are referring to?

 

It´s a patch for dual core processor for XP called KB896256 here is the link:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896256

 

has this been proven to increase performance?

Thanks.

 

Thanks Carlos!

 

Yes, after I install the patch the overall system improved