What is Dual Core Processing?
A dual-core processor is a single physical package containing two full processor cores on a single piece of silicon, or die.
In April 2005, AMD was the first to introduce dual-core technology onto the market in the Opteron processors. Intel, which had scheduled dual-core processors for 2006, quickly followed suit in September when it launched dual-core Xeon™ processors.
The processors of both companies were designed to address the ever increasing demands for greater performance.
Advantages of Dual Core Processing
The biggest advantage to dual-core technology is it delivers much higher performance for multi-tiered applications, like SAP. Because the compute threads can be split between the two cores, the problem of multiple threads competing for the same resources is reduced.
Having two processors in a single die also:
- Improves performance – multiple power level processors increase compute options
- Reduces latencies
- Maintains a similar power budget to single-core processors – up to 75 percent performance at comparable single-core CPU prices and system wattages
Features and Benefits
Outstanding Dual-Core Performance
With its two execution cores, the Intel Core Duo processor is optimized for multi-threaded applications and multitasking. You can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching programs - while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background.
Power Effeciency
Demand for greater power efficiency in computing is on the rise from desktop to laptop PCs. With an Intel Core Duo processor, you get a balance of great dual-core computing capabilities and power savings. Its enhanced voltage efficiency supports cooler and quieter system designs as compared to traditional desktop and laptop PCs. And thanks to the innovative energy efficient technologies built-in, the Intel® Core™ Duo processor is able to transfer power only to those areas of the processor that need it, thereby enabling laptops to save power and desktops to have thinner, sleeker designs.
Vibrant Media Experience
The Intel Core Duo processor enables your Intel Viiv technology and Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology multimedia experience to be all the more vibrant. Featuring Intel® Digital Media Boost, the Intel® Core™ Duo processor enables accelerating technologies for applications such as CAD tools, 3D and 2D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography and gaming. This is one of the key ingredients that help Intel Viiv technology and Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology to give you a truly rich multimedia experience.
Smarter, More Effecient Design
The Intel Core Duo processor features Intel® Smart Cache which helps deliver a smarter and more efficient cache and bus design to enable enhanced dual-core performance, and power savings.
Core 2 Duo Processor
The Intel Core 2 Duo processor is the second generation of Dual Core processors available from Intel.
The Core 2 Duo chip has many of the same features as its Core Duo predecessor: a 667MHz frontside bus, the 945 chip set, the 3945ABG wireless chip set, and similar clock speeds. The two biggest improvements are the doubling of Level 2 cache to 4MB in the T7000 line, and support for 64-bit processing. Meaning users can take advantage of upcoming 64-bit applications, including the 64-bit version of Windows Vista. Core Duo cannot do 64-bit computing.
