SMT is a technology that allows multiple threads to run at the same time.
SMT is a technology that allows multiple threads to run at the same time.
Your Ryzen 5 3600 at 4.1 GHz is running well within its capabilities. SMT helps with higher frequencies, so keeping it on likely maintains stability and performance. Turning it off might reduce power consumption but could also limit gains. Consider your workload and power needs before deciding.
Yes, running multiple threads can improve performance by utilizing available resources more effectively.
Is this really an overclock? Based on the tasks I've observed, performance stays around 3.9-4.2 with all cores running at stock speed. Usually you keep SMT enabled unless you have a specific workload that might struggle with it. Luckily such situations are uncommon these days.
If an app can take advantage of threads and is designed to do so, it will make use of them. Keeping them unused for just one program doesn’t improve performance—it may even hinder it—and other applications can still use those extra threads when available. When no threads or cores are being utilized, they remain idle or placed in a waiting state.
Turning off smt can let you push performance even more, and the safe voltage limit will be a little higher without it. Playing games without smt often gives better results.