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.

Dual core processors have two separate cores on the same physical machine. This means they can do two tasks at the same time without interfering one with the other or using up the others memory or processing speed. These can be located on the same mother board or separate mother boards. These types of processors are used when several different tasks or operations need to be done simultaneously.

In a single-core or traditional processor the CPU is fed strings of instructions it must order, execute, then selectively store in its cache for quick retrieval. When data outside the cache is required, it is retrieved through the system bus from random access memory (RAM) or from storage devices. Accessing these slows down performance to the maximum speed the bus, RAM or storage device will allow, which is far slower than the speed of the CPU. The situation is compounded when multi-tasking. In this 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 executing the other can be accessing the system bus or executing its own code. Adding to this favorable 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-threading and the software must have simultaneous multi-threading 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.

A dual core processor is different from a multi-processor system. In the latter there are two separate CPUs with their own resources. In the former, resources are shared and the cores reside on the same chip. A multi-processor system is faster than a system with a dual core processor, while a dual core system is faster than a single-core system, all else being equal.

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

Multi-core processors are the goal and as technology shrinks, there is more "real-estate" available on the die. In the fall of 2004 Bill Siu of Intel predicted that current accommodating motherboards would be here to stay until 4-core CPUs eventually force a changeover to incorporate a new memory controller that will be required for handling 4 or more cores.

This type of processor acts like a set of twins. They are exactly alike but work separately. It is like having two computers in one. Since the dual core processors has two of each, two memories, two information caches and even two front bus connections they can work in different tasks at the same time doubling the speed and capability of the computer..

Dual core processors are not for everyone to have at home or work. This would be a complete waste of equipment and money. They are super fast and designed to perform long and complicated operations at the same time without losing power or speed. The ability to multi-task means they are capable of doing so, and can also be combined into one operation once each processor has finished its part of the work.

Of course they are not made for this; they are made to do two different and completely unrelated tasks at the same time at great speed. You can’t run simple everyday programs on these dual core processors, the operations system must have special applications so both processors can run independently and at the same time use the same mother board and memory caches.

Dual core processors use something called multithread technology to function properly and efficiently. What this multithread technology does is allow you to have three or four completely different programs running on your computer at the same time efficiently and with the same speed they would run they were alone.

Dual core processors are now being used in desktop computers at homes and offices. This technology has evolved and developed very fast because of its great potential in work stations and in a lesser degree in homes. There is nothing special you need to learn to use it.

If you can use a desktop computer you will be able to use this technology at a basic level. All that will happen is that you will be able to do many things at the same time on your computer faster and without interruption.

Which is fastest dual core processor???

The fact is that there are not many reviews on the speed and capabilities of all the dual core processors available in the market. Many of these are still in experimental phases and changes are constantly made in their components to make them better and faster. This means that the fastest dual core processor today may not be the same one tomorrow.

Computer technology changes every day and every hour. Material used change, memories are increased and parts reduced to make things go faster. Many computers which were considered very fast and efficient a couple of months ago are obsolete today because of new technological developments. Giving an opinion on the fastest dual core processor can have the same result, as we speak a new faster processor may be coming out into the market somewhere and we do not know about it.

Today, the fastest dual core processor in the market is considered to be the Athlon 64 x 2 4800+ designed and built by AMD. It uses separate memory caches for the cores but they are capable of extracting information and using space in the other core’s caches when needed or when this space is not being used.

This means that the fastest dual core processor in the world does not need to overload its main RAM with information and data it wants to exchange between caches. The information passes directly between them without taking up space or time in the shared, main Ram. This system also allows both caches of information to be coherent with each other allowing them to transmit and relay information between them faster and in better order and cadence.

Both processors are equal in size and capacity and they are integrated in one single die. The fastest dual core processor design allows information to travel faster from one location to the other. This speed change goes unnoticed to humans but electronically speaking it is great. The way the information is shared by both memory caches and the way it is ordered and arranged inside these caches have also added delivery and processing speed to the complete system.

The processor mentioned above is considered the fastest dual core processor available in the market today. Tomorrow is another day and we do not know what new and amazing technology will see the light of day. For now though, reviews and the technology used in the above mentioned fastest dual core processor make it the best choice for large multitasking operations and computers.