Intel's latest processors feature dual configurations—each with P cores and E cores available.
Intel's latest processors feature dual configurations—each with P cores and E cores available.
When the game recognizes it can use more than eight cores, assigning extra E cores can aid applications that exceed the eight available P cores. Generally, this shouldn't negatively impact performance. The CPU's scheduler will handle most intensive tasks, though some E core scenarios have caused problems before. Performance should improve as Windows updates roll out and hybrid processors become standard.
Consider it an 8-core/16-thread processor ideal for demanding work, offering four cores for Windows and background operations. For heavy workloads like rendering, the extra cores become less impactful as they handle only slower parts, letting the system focus on performance. You’d likely pair it with a 11900k chip and an i5-7400 for everyday use. This setup explains the inconsistent Windows 10 performance, since the OS doesn’t prioritize p or e cores effectively. Sometimes it relies on e cores for gaming and p cores for lighter tasks.
It supports 8 cores for applications with 8 or fewer threads, up to 12 cores for those using up to 16 threads, and 12 cores for workloads needing 20 or more threads. The scheduler aims to favor E cores rather than balancing threads across different cores, though this isn't always accurate. For games, core count is rarely a deciding factor—what truly matters are overall CPU performance and single-core speed. Buying an outdated 12-core Xeon in 2014 over modern options like the 5600X or 11600K for gaming would be a mistake, as it offers fewer total cores and significantly weaker single-core results.
Your game or app will run better if it uses fewer than 16 threads, unless you need heavy multitasking like streaming. Upgrading to a 12900k processor, turning off the extra cores, and adjusting the cache settings can boost performance. Standard chips should handle x52 P cores and a cache ratio between x48 and x49 without trouble. You might need a voltage between 1.20v and 1.30v for stability, which depends on your chip quality and what you're running. Higher-end chips can usually run at x53 on P cores, but if something forces all cores at once—like launching Minecraft—the voltage could jump to 1.32v or more, risking crashes. Good silicon should work under 1.30v, top chips under 1.25v, and a 360mm AIO cooler is ideal.
I admit I was confused about the cache ratio. You were right—changing E cores for gaming doesn’t seem essential.