Is there a way to force the usage of 2 cores while Xvid encoding?

[barfo]

So I've noticed that when I'm encoding video, total cpu usage is about 53% (I have a dual core processor).
This is nice if you want to browse the internet or do some stuff while encoding but since I have two computers I'd like this one to be used 100% and hopefully take less time with my projects.

My question is if it's possible to force the encoder to use the 2 cores available or do I have to wait for software updates?

[teegee420]

For the time being, I believe only DivX recognizes two CPU's.

[Kairo]

I could be wrong, but I think there is a hyperthreaded version of the Xvid codec floating on the net somewhere.

[celtic_druid]

XviD is multithreaded. Make sure that you are using a recent build (older builds ie. 1.1 don't support threads) and set threads to 2. Also remember that higher CPU usage doesn't always mean faster encoding. So say you only get 80-90% CPU usage with 2 threads, but 100% with 4. That doesn't mean that 4 is faster. Check your encoding times/framerates.

[teegee420]

XviD is multithreaded.

Which build are you referring to? I tried encoding with Koepi's and I get about 20fps for full D1. I also tried uManiac's and got about 30fps. I'm running a dual-core Athlon 4200.

[jagabo]

You need one of the latest "unstable" builds of Xvid.

http://www.koepi.org/xvid.shtml
http://www.koepi.org/XviD-1.2.-127-25022006.exe

With VirtualDUbMod, Using two threads for Xvid I get about 70 percent CPU usage. With more than 2 threads it goes up to 100 percent but the codec locks up (A64 X2 3800+, XP SP2) after a frame or two.

Divx will automatically install a multithreaded version (if your CPU supports it) in the latest builds. Divx's multithreading is much better.

[barfo]

Thanks, I notice that Xvid 1.2 is only in alpha stage, has any of you noticed any problems such as crashes, bad encoding or anything that would prevent me from using it?

Thanks in advance.

[celtic_druid]

There is a problem with VfW and GMC. Other than that no real problems that I can think of. Koepi's build wouldn't be effected by the GMC problems either since it is too old. You would also be missing other speed opts/bug fixes though.

Also from recollection VfW/GMC was ok with gcc. Just ICL and MSVC that had problems and I don't think encraw or mencoder were effected.