Compaq informed me of a BIOS update...but the update did not resolve the non-ability to disable HyperThreading. So we returned the Compaq and purchased a Sony VAIO RS420.
Both the machines have very similar specs. But the Sony machine runs so much better, because it does not have the extra...
Well, Compaq informed me of a BIOS update that may allow disabling of Hyperthreading. I'll try that on my friend's computer later tonight.
As far as why Hyperthreading is required to be disabled...I don't know. I think the manual says it degrades performance in some way...but I'm not sure...
I helped a friend of mine purchase a Compaq Presario S5400NX desktop for the specific purpose of recording/editing music with Digidesign ProTools.
Digidesign specifies that Hyperthreading must be disabled before installing ProTools. Easy enough, right? Just disable Hyperthreading in the BIOS...