Yes, Vue does recognise and use multi-processors.

I've run Vue on a dual 1GHz PIII box with nVidia GeForce 4 and an AMD 3200 with ATI Radeon 9800. For Vue 4 either will work but for Pro go Intel, no question.

My own experience is that the configuration is as important as anything. Off load as much as possible from the CPU i.e. don't use on-board sound, LAN or modem functions, get separate cards and use the minumum of drivers, no frills or manufacturers' "control panels", etc.

Disconnect your network from the outside world, shut down virus checkers, software firewalls, tablet drivers, mouse drivers (use MS standard ones) and use a startup monitor to find 'n' kill anything that's not needed.

It's purely subjective but I reckon XP Pro is faster than XP Home in all operations including rendering.

Keep it clean, lean and mean! :-)

Cheers,
Mark