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Most computers that run on Windows offer core parking. Not everyone who uses a computer or relies on a Windows OS knows what parking is or does. Before you compare them, you should understand this process and the benefits of unparking.
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Unparked vs Parked CPU
Your CPU consists of multiple cores that use different power as you work. During a low-power state, the cores use less power.
This helps your computer run faster and produce less heat. The biggest problem is that they will keep using some power as long as you park them. Unparking them allows you to use less power.
What is Unparking?
Parking one or more cores allows you to put them into a deep sleep mode. When you park a core, it will no longer use any power or handle any task.
Unparking the core will bring it back to life. It allows you to use them when you do tasks with your computer and ensure they are always ready when you need them.
In most cases, unparking your cores will help with your overall performance and make your computer respond faster,
What are the Pros & Cons of Unparking a CPU?
While parking your CPU has some benefits, it also comes with a few cons. Consider all the pros and cons of unparking a CPU before you make any changes to your system.
3. CPU Unparking Pros
Take advantage of all of the benefits of unparking a CPU. Many of these benefits affect gamers the most.
1. Faster Response Time
The primary benefit of unparking your CPU is that it improves response time. Many popular video games feature fast action. If you’re a little too slow, you might find your character respawning on the other side of the map.
Unparking your CPU allows you to use more of your system’s resources and which gives you a better and faster response time.
2. Custom Options
Another benefit is setting up custom options that work for you. Instead of fully parking or unparking your CPU, change each one to use a certain percentage of your power such as 30%.
The CPU will use the maximum amount of power you give it as needed. If you surf the web or work on a document, you don’t need to worry about your computer potentially overheating or using a lot of power.
When you play a game that uses more resources, the CPU will adjust the amount of power it uses without going over the maximum level you set.
3. Better Performance
The number one reason gamers unpark their cores is for the better performance they get. Have you ever missed out on a big moment in a game because your computer was just a little slow?
Maybe you played games with a serious lag issue. A minor lag can make your character respond several seconds after you act. Gamers claim that unparking their cores can boost their performance by 30% or more.
3 CPU Unparking Cons
Don’t just look at the pros to decide if unparking your CPU is your best bet. Think about all of the cons, too.
1. Too Much Power
The biggest disadvantage of CPU unparking is that it uses more power. You might not notice much of a change if you use a laptop that you keep plugged into the wall.
If you use your laptop on the go, you’ll find that your battery runs out of power quickly because the cores draw so much power from your system.
It can also affect desktop computers. When the core uses more of your resources, it can slow down your computer quite a bit.
2. Higher Temperatures
A big complaint that many laptop users have is that their computers run too hot. When you unpark your CPU cores, expect your laptop to run even hotter.
It can get so hot that it even burns your skin. You will also find that your desktop runs hotter when you unpark your cores.
Parking the cores brings down the temperature, but you can also use a cooling mat. Unparking your CPU can also increase the risk of your computer overheating.
3. Shorter Lifespan
Those who say unparking your CPU usually do not tell you that it can shorten the lifespan of your computer. Think about the way you feel after a long day of activity. You probably want nothing more than to fall into bed and sleep for a few hours.
Your computer feels the same way when you try to use all of the available resources without giving it a break. Unparking your CPU can cause some components dying faster than they should, but it can also kill your computer.
Is it Safe to Unpark a CPU?
Many people want to know if it’s safe to unpark a CPU, but you don’t need to worry. It’s perfectly safe to unpark your CPU.
Computer brands designed their models to use all cores at the same time. You can use your computer without problems when you park one or more of those cores.
If you unpark one or multiple cores, you can still safely use your PC. Unparking the cores will not damage them.
Should I Unpark My CPU?
The answer to this question depends on you and what you want. Do you have a computer that runs hot and often overheats?
Unparking the cores will make the problems even worse. You may even find that your computer keeps shutting down or releasing error messages because the fans cannot keep up.
Do not unpark your CPU if your computer runs for hours, especially if you let it idle during the day or night. The CPU can overheat when you’re not nearby.
Many computers come with the optimal settings already selected. Making changes to your system can make your laptop run hotter, even when you don’t have a lot of windows open or play games.
Even some hard-core gamers found that they didn’t enjoy all of the benefits that other gamers claimed they got from unparking their cores.
If you’re still on the fence, try unparking your CPU and see what happens. Use our tips to change your PC. See how your computer responds and whether you notice any big changes or benefits.
Depending on your computer type, you may find that the manufacturer designed it to use the perfect amount of power as it runs. Changing your core settings on one of these devices should not make much difference.
Don’t forget to compare any problems you experience with the benefits you get, such as finding that your laptop runs a few degrees hotter than it normally does.
How Do You Know if CPU Cores are Unparked?
Your Task Manager will show you if your CPU cores are unparked. Use CTRL, ALT, and DEL to bring up your Task Manager. Look at the tabs listed on the top and select the CPU.
Find and click on the Open Resource Monitor button. This will show you a list of your cores, which you can identify based on the number next to them. Below each core is either Parked or Unparked.
Using a Parking App
Another way to determine if your CPU is parked is with a parking app. You’ll need to download the app and double-click on the icon you see on your desktop to run the app.
Most apps have a Check Status button on the screen when you load them. When you click on this button, the app will go over your computer and check the status of each core. It then shows you a list of any parked cores and unparked ones.
Conclusion
Unparking your CPU is an easy way to improve your game performance and boost your response time. It can make your computer run too hot and make it overheat. You need to decide if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.