single core vs dual core

[Guest]

I've heard that dual core can handle two threads at the same time, but has
less Mhz than single core. Anybody could tell me if it is a good choice to
buy a dual core processor if there aren't enough applications with more than
one thread?

 

[Pavel A.]

I've heard that dual core can handle two threads at the same time, but has
less Mhz than single core.
Correct.

Anybody could tell me if it is a good choice to
buy a dual core processor if there aren't enough applications with more than
one thread?

It really greatly depends on the applications. The best is to try and judge for yourself
is it worth the price.
However as the prices for multicore CPUs drop and industry support develops,
they may become a no-brainer choice.

--PA

 

[NoNoBadDog!]

I've heard that dual core can handle two threads at the same time, but has
less Mhz than single core. Anybody could tell me if it is a good choice to
buy a dual core processor if there aren't enough applications with more
than
one thread?

What you stated is true for the Intel dual core wanna-be chips, but not true
for the AMD X2 dual core. AMD X2 dual core are true dual core chips, built
as two discrete cores that can communicate directly across the crossbar.
Intel simple glues two single cores together, and they cannot communicate
directly with each other; they must go out to the Northbridge chip and then
back in to communicate. In the Intel dual-core wanna be, the two cores are
not aware of the existence of the other core, cannot communicate natively
with each other, etc etc etc. Intel today announced that it will begin
producing true dual core chips sometime in 2006. Until then, the only
logical choice for dual core is AMD. Even if the current crop of Intel dual
core chips were true dual core, AMD would still be a better choice because
of the Hyptertransport technology; it is many times faster than the Front
Side Bus speed of the Intel line.

As a note to all the Intel fans out there...don't waste your time...Intel
stopped being an innovator. sad. really. But at least AMD is getting some
well deserved respect.

I used to be a hard core Intel fan...but for the last 18 months AMD has
proven over and over again that it is able to deliver a superior product the
delivers what is promised.


Bobby

 

[cquirke (MVP Windows shell/user)]

On Fri, 12 Aug 2005 19:16:42 -1000, "NoNoBadDog!"

What you stated is true for the Intel dual core wanna-be chips, but not true
for the AMD X2 dual core. AMD X2 dual core are true dual core chips, built
as two discrete cores that can communicate directly across the crossbar.
Intel simple glues two single cores together, and they cannot communicate
directly with each other; they must go out to the Northbridge chip and then
back in to communicate.

If seen as genuine multi-CPU, then you'd need XP Pro, because XP Home
will only use one CPU.

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