Dual Core Vs. Dual Processor
Computer programs and games are constantly improving and require more processing power than ever before. Running high demand applications with a dual CPU system can increase performance. When choosing a dual CPU system, there are two options--dual processors or dual core. Both options will increase performance over a single CPU; however, there are differences between the two.
History
Dual processor personal computers have been around since the early 2000s. Motherboards supporting dual processors for either AMD or Intel processors are not very common due to increased size and cost. A typical home computer only had a single processor. Workstations for graphics modeling and engineering are more likely to have a dual processor system. Dual core processors were first created in 2001 by IBM. IBM released their Power 4 processor for server applications. It was not until Intel released their Pentium Extreme Edition 840 that a dual core processor was available for home use.
Significance
Dual core processors are the equivalent of two CPUs on one physical chip. Since most motherboards only support a single processor, dual core processors allowed the benefits of a dual processor machine at a much lower cost. In order to take advantage of a dual processor or dual core system, the operating system needs to know send information to both CPUs. Most home operating systems did not include this functionality and it was typically only found in server operating systems. The release of dual core processors pushed multi-core processing into wider acceptance and the operating systems were modified to allow for their use.
Function
Both dual core processors and dual processor systems are generally used to increase multi-tasking performance. With multiple CPUs, workload can be distributed between them or they can be used to perform separate tasks. Dual core processors and dual processor systems are generally treated the same by the operating system; however, dual core processors have an easier time sharing workload since they are on the same physical chip.
Types
Dual processor systems can consist of any pair of processors that the motherboard supports; however, both processors need to be of the same type and speed. Since dual core processors are a single chip, the types available are limited to the processors on the market. As of 2009, Intel has a number of dual-core processors including the Pentium D, Core Duo and Core 2 Duo lines, while AMD has dual core versions of its Athlon and Turion processors.
Benefits
One of the biggest benefits of dual core and dual processor systems is the increased performance, especially when it comes to multi-tasking. Dual core processors have other advantages over dual processor as well. Dual core chips will use less power and take up less space than comparable dual processor systems. Dual core chips can be found in laptops and netbooks as well as desktops. Dual processor systems are typically only found in servers and some higher end desktops.
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