Core2Duo Vs. Core2Quad – The Processor Fight
by Karan Goel
Intel first came out with multiple-core processors for desktops in summer 2006, and since then they’ve become the standard for most computers. Multi-core architecture has also moved on to laptops and gaming consoles. By 2007, Intel had many versions of the Core 2 Duo line, and added to it the more performance-geared Core 2 Quad models. But what is the actual difference?
- Cores refer to the actual central processing unit, or CPU. This means a multi-core chip acts as several processors on one die. Hence, Core 2 Duo models have two cores, while Core 2 Quads have four. They start out life more or less than same–hinted at in the shared “Core 2″ moniker–and then depending on the success of fabrication, i.e how many active cores are found, they get the appropriate label.
- Even within the Duo and Quad categories, there are variations depending on speed. Each chip is tested upon manufacturing, and gets bunched up with similar-clocked chips. The Duo range has speeds of around 1.8-3.3GHz, while Quads manage 2.3-3GHz. Bus speeds, or the speeds with which these CPUs can communicate with other components, are roughly 800 to 1333MHz for both Duos and Quads
- This is the memory that the processor has on board, helping it expedite routine operations and making a big difference in performance. This is one area where Duos and Quads differ, as the latter have an average of twice the cache–up to 12MB instead of a max 6MB on Duos.
- It might seem like Quads ought to be twice as powerful as Duos, having twice the cores. But actually real life performance for both is quite similar, probably because their underlying design is the same. Many tests have found Duos to be faster than Quads in gaming applications, because software developers prefer to code for simpler architectures. The more cores, the more complex the code. Still, in pure benchmark tests like PCMark and 3DMark, Quads do prove to have more horsepower than Duos.
- However, Quads are assigned this badge of honor because they have greater potential than their Duo siblings. This means with proper tweaking, both software and hardware, overclocked Quads can increase their performance by 50 percent compared to out-the-box stats. Duos manage an average 28 percent increase. Overclocking means “forcing” the CPU to work harder by raising the clock speed and other parameters.
- Multi-threading refers to a software/hardware feature aiding in “talking” to multiple cores, making the most of available hardware. More and more programs have multi-threading built in to them on many levels, and mutli-core CPUs are now the norm. This makes “the more cores the merrier” a valid guiding principle.
- Core 2 Duo processors are still significantly cheaper than Quads, and have almost the same performance when naturally clocked. For mainstream general users, Core 2 Duos have enough power and a better value proposition. Hardcore users and those interested in modding and overclocking should choose Quad processors. And in general, Core 2 Quads are more futureproof in terms of potential software compatibility.
About Cores
Speed
Cache memory
Performance
Overclocking
Multi-threading
Bottom line
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December 17th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
A classmate urged me to read this page, great post, fascinating read… keep up the good work!