Applications only using 50% CPU power with 36 cores 72 threads .

[tempestblayze]

Hey All,

We just got a PC that has dual 18 core CPU's with a total of 72 threads. When I go to render with Maya, After Effects and other programs the CPU is only using 50% of the CPU power. 36 threads are just sitting there doing nothing.

Has anyone ran into this problem with their processor setup? Is this a Windows 7 pro limitation? Can programs only use 50%?

A couple things to note:

• 
  The Task manager shows there are 72 threads
  Hyper threading is of course enabled
  No cores are parked
  Advanced boot options only show 36 cores not 72
  Power options are set to "high performance"
  Changing the Affinity does not work

The computer specs are:

• 
  2x Intel Xeon E5 2699 v3 18 core
  128gb of DDR4 RAM
  Windows 7 Pro
  Quadro k5200
  

Thanks for your help.

Here is a test I ran with Prime 95 :

 

[ahnilated]

Right from Microsoft:

PCs with multi-core processors:
Windows 7 was designed to work with today's multi-core processors. All 32-bit versions of Windows 7 can support up to 32 processor cores, while 64‑bit versions can support up to 256 processor cores.

PCs with multiple processors (CPUs):
Commercial servers, workstations, and other high-end PCs may have more than one physical processor. Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate allow for two physical processors, providing the best performance on these computers. Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, and Home Premium will recognize only one physical processor.

 

[rgd1101]

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd405503%28v=vs.85%29.aspx
I read it multiple time, sound like it grouping it as 2 different processor group.

You might need to contact Maya, After Effects and other to see if they can use multiple groups

 

[tempestblayze]

I do noticed that it splits the processors into Node 0 and Node 1. I Tried changing the Affinity within task manager but with the site you posted, it looks like I can try to do this within the registry. I will give this a shot tomorrow morning.

I made a post in the Maya forums to see if other people have a solution for this as well.

I will keep updating with the progress, even if there hasn't been any.

 

[rgd1101]

Yup, keep us updated.

 

[tempestblayze]

It would seem that software just isn't up to date enough for the newer 18 core processors. This blog post from the Autodesk site references this exact problem. http://area.autodesk.com/blogs/maxstation/n268-how-many-cores-does-3ds-max-support#50873

It also directs you to the link you sent regarding Windows Processor Group. So until software supports Windows Processor Groups, there is nothing I can do to use all 72 threads.

 

[rgd1101]

It that the case, I wonder if it would make sense to disable 4 cores(8 threads), so it will be 64 logical processors.

 

[pedrom90]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread here. Just wondering if OP ever got all 72 threads working? We have the same CPUs and have only got 64 threads working, after a little tweaking!