Processor help

[iolair]

I've searched the FAQs and the forum, but haven't found an explanation regarding dual core processors. My current machine has an Intel Pentium Dual Processor E2180 @ 2Ghz. I have a few questions. One, does that mean it's as fast as a single core processor running at 4Ghz? Which would be faster, my dual core processor, or two single cores running on a motherboard with two cpu sockets? How can you tell if you have a 32 bit processor or a 64 bit processor? Does Intel have this posted on thier website? Thanks.

Iolair MacWalter
Network Engineer

 

[Sympology]

Here is a good little guide

http://www.helium.com/items/1161609-why-dual-core-is-faster-than-single-core-processors

Robert Wilensky:
We've all heard that a million monkeys banging on a million typewriters will eventually reproduce the entire works of Shakespeare. Now, thanks to the Internet, we know this is not true.

 

[iolair]

Thanks, that's interesting.

Iolair MacWalter
Network Engineer

 

[kjv1611]

One, does that mean it's as fast as a single core processor running at 4Ghz?

Faster - the underlying architecture is so much better that it's exponentially faster... of course what you're doing with it will tell how much of a difference you actually see.

Which would be faster, my dual core processor, or two single cores running on a motherboard with two cpu sockets?

In most instances, the dual core, but I'd say it depends. Your dual core is built on the same Core architecture, but it's not as fast as a Core 2 Duo CPU. The Cache is a big part there, but there may be another piece or two that I'm forgetting. You can see all the specs for your CPU here:

http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=31733

How can you tell if you have a 32 bit processor or a 64 bit processor? Does Intel have this posted on thier website? Thanks.

See link above.
Under "Essentials": Instruction Set.........64-bit

And in all honesty, if the CPU was built int he past couple/few years, then chances are, it supports 64-bit instructions.

 

[cdogg]

==> One, does that mean it's as fast as a single core processor running at 4Ghz?

No, a dual-core processor is not the same speed as a single-core processor times 2. That's not how it works. You need a better understanding of how single-threaded and multi-threaded applications are handled by Windows. It's a complicated comparison that doesn't necessarily mean 2 processors is double the performance of one. Also, the multi-core processors of today are much different from the single-core processors from 5 years ago.

Intel's first attempt at the consumer level was to release the Pentium D. This was essentially two Pentium 4's slapped together on one die. Neither could communicate directly with the other without first going through the FSB and accessing main memory (RAM). That among other things was a very poor design in dual-core architecture and one that was easily beaten by the fastest single-core CPU's in most benchmarks.

Enter the Core 2 duo based on the Core microarchitecture in 2006. Intel decided to return to its roots ditching NetBurst and going with a "new" microarchitecture that was actually a successor to the Pentium III. Each CPU core was more efficient at a lower clock speed than the Pentium 4 ever was. A Core 2 E4300, for example, rated at 1.8GHz per core would beat a Pentium 4 3.0GHz in practically all single-threaded benchmarks. It would even give a 3.4GHz model a run for its money. It was clear after this that the Core microarchitecture was a step in the right direction in solving the speed limitations that single-core CPUs were beginning to run into.

==> Which would be faster, my dual core processor, or two single cores running on a motherboard with two cpu sockets?

As explained above, this question isn't one you would ask today. Maybe 5-6 years ago but not today. There aren't any single-core solutions still being developed by either AMD or Intel in which you would need to ask that. Keep in mind that two processors running in separate sockets on the mobo are not as efficient as being on the same die. The main reasoning behind that is the amount of distance between cores. If you can fit it on one die, you're better off.

==> How can you tell if you have a 32 bit processor or a 64 bit processor?

Intel 64 (formerly known as EM64T) is supported in all models since the Pentium 4 Prescott models designated with a 500-level model number. For example:

http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?spec=SL9CJ

~cdogg
"All generalizations are false, including this one." - Mark Twain
[tab][navy]For posting policies, click [/navy]here.

 

[iolair]

Thank you all for the great information. Your explanations are very clear, and I appreciate the help. I used to know all this stuff, guess it's time to bone up on all the hardware changes going on. Thanks again.

Iolair MacWalter
Network Engineer