What is a Dual Core Processor

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What is a dual core processor? A dual core processor is a CPU with two separate cores on the same die, each with its own cache. It's the equivalent of getting two microprocessors in one. In a single-core or tradition processor the CPU is fed strings of instructions it must order, execute, then selectively store cache for quick retrieval. When data outside the cache is required, it is retrieved through th system bus from random access memory (RAM) or from storage devices. Accessing these sl down performance to the maximum speed the bus, RAM or storage device will allow, which i far slower than the speed of the CPU. The situation is compounded when multi-tasking. In th case the processor must switch back and forth between two or more sets of data streams and programs. CPU resources are depleted and performance suffers.

In a dual core processor each core handles incoming data strings simultaneously to improve efficiency. Just as two heads are better than one, so are two hands. Now when one is executi the other can be accessing the system bus or executing its own code. Adding to this favorab scenario, both AMD and Intel's dual-core flagships are 64-bit. To utilize a dual core processor, the operating system must be able to recognize multi-thread and the software must have simultaneous multi-threadi0ng technology (SMT) written into its code. SMT enables parallel multi-threading wherein the cores are served multi-threaded instructions in parallel. Without SMT the software will only recognize one core. Adobe Photoshop is an example of SMT-aware software. SMT is also used with multi-processor systems common to servers.

An attractive value of dual core processors is that they do not require a new motherboard, b be used in existing boards that feature the correct socket. For the average user the differen performance will be most noticeable in multi-tasking until more software is SMT aware. Ser running multiple dual core processors will see an appreciable increase in performance.

Seeing the technical difficulties in cranking higher clock speed out of the present single cor processors, dual core architecture has started to establish itself as the answer to the develo of future processors. With the release of AMD dual core opteron and Intel Pentium Extreme edition 840, the month of April 2005 officially marks the beginning of dual core endeavors fo both companies.

The transition from a single core to dual core architecture was triggered by a couple of facto According to Moore's Law, the number of transistors (complexity) on a microprocessor doub approximately every 18 months. The latest 2 MB Prescott core possesses more than 160 mill transistors; breaking the 200 million mark is just a matter of time. Transistor count is one of reasons that drive the industry toward the dual core architecture. Instead of using the availa astronomically high transistor counts to design a new, more complex single core processor t would offer higher performance than the present offerings, chip makers have decided to put transistors to use in producing two identical yet independent cores and combining them in t single package.

To them, this is actually a far better use of the available transistors, and in return should giv consumers more value for their money. Besides, with the single core's thermal envelope bein pushed to its limit and severe current leakage issues that have hit the silicon manufacturing industry ever since the transition to 90 nm chip fabrication, it's extremely difficult for chip makers (particulary Intel) to squeeze more clock speed out of the present single core design Pushing for higher clock speeds is not a feasible option at present because of transistor curr leakage. And adding more features into the core will increase the complexity of the design a make it harder to manage. These are the factors that have made the dual core option the mo viable alternative in making full use of the amount of transistors available.

A dual core processor is part of a category called multi-core processors. These computer processors have more than one independent processor on the chip or package. In the case of core processor, the entire chip has two independent computer processors that can work toge to increase total computer performance. For non technical consumers, dual core processors be thought of as having two separate computer chips combined. One of the biggest advantages of having a dual core processor is for the ability of the compu to perform thread level parallelism. A thread is a task that a computer puts resources to run.

For instance, if you have a computer running a Microsoft operating XP system, you can press ctrl - alt and the delete key and the task manager will come up. You can then click on the tab called processors, you will see a list of processes that the computer currently has assigned resources to. The higher the number to the right, the more intensive the computer processo working on these tasks. These tasks are considered threads. With a dual or multi core proces each individual core can work on tasks in parallel with each other. In common laments terms you get much more performance from a dual or multi core processor.

There are several advantages to having a dual core processor. The first advantage is that yo computer will use less energy and deliver more total performance from both its cores than a single high performance chip design. The second is that dual core processor caches will perf better than a two chip design. You will also need less space requirements, since the die for t dual cores are printed on one chip. There is no need to create two separate chips, thus savin space. Another advantage is that the technology is very reliable and has been tried and teste Dual core processors will likely continue to have an excellent reputation due to their stable reliable design.

While the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, you should be aware of a few negative For instance, software needs to be redesigned to work specifically with dual core processors important to note that the most reliable design is to have an individual processor on a chip a that due to the fact that the dual core processor will be working faster and harder, this will p constraints on the system bus, as well as other parts of the computer such as memory bandwidth.

Dual core processors are now available for purchase and they are quickly becoming the dom architecture in the industry. Look forward to seeing more dual core desktop and laptop computers at the retail level, as well as multi core processors coming soon. The price for dua core technology is a little more expensive, however most people that buy dual core technolog feel that the power in processing is well worth the additional cost.

D

ual-Core Processors

AMD Athlon-64 and Opteron processors are available in dual-core models. Intel Pentium 4 Extreme Edition and Xeon processors are available with a dual-core.

D

ual Core Processor Busses

Dual-core processors face a disadvantage if they both share one Front Side Bus. This highlights the advantages of the HyperTransport bus, where bandwidth is not shared between CPUs.

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