dual core processor

G_M

Hi! I'm comparing laptops and here specifically CPUs - how come some single core processors seem as fast as dual core when comparing the advertised GHz? Which is best to compare - the GHz processor speed or whether it'e single or dual core?

Rossy.

Dual core will always be faster than single core

If a single core is running at 3ghz and a dual is running at 3ghz then the dual core will win hands down in anything you do as each cpu core will be running at say 3ghz, where as the single core processor will only be running 1 core at 3ghz

Dual core means 2 cores within a single cpu die.

Quad core is 4 cores on the same cpu die.

Intel i3 dual cores have 2 cores but run 2 threads per core so it's like having 4 processors effectively

Intel i7 quad cores have 4 cores but run 2 threads per core so it's like having 8 processors effectively

Haha confusing if you're not sure on comps

Hope that helps

davester

Not only that the archetechture is different so another reason why its difficult to compare. Intel and AMD need a slap.

Rossy.

davester wrote: »

Not only that the archetechture is different so another reason why its difficult to compare. Intel and AMD need a slap.

Couldn't agree more

Although i have always stuck to Intel.. Bang for buck AMD come out better but their technology is not as far ahead as Intels, and in 99% of trials Intel always win hands down

spakkker

"Which is best to compare - the GHz processor speed or whether it'e single or dual core? " -
You can't simply compare GHz speed with performance because different types of cpu can do differing amounts of "work" per clock cycle.
Older pentium 4 cpu's ran at high clock speeds but were in a tech dead end so Intel introduced core type cpu which does more work per cycle ~about X2 and were mostly dual core as well...... now intel has i-series chips which do even more work per cycle. A dual or quad core is only faster if more than one core is being used - programs are only recently being optimised for multi core cpu's.
Not up on amd cpu's but do know that 6-core cpu is an old 2003/4 design core so not as good as it sounds.
See this - http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_list.php

GeoffX

And both AMD and Intel are just about to introduce new products again. My quick and unscientific test - I transcoded a video using Handbrake - suggests that Core i3 processors gain about 35% in performance when the hyperthreading feature - the thing that makes the operating system think there are four processors present, not two - is turned on.

Another advantage of Intel processors over AMD ones is that they are generally capable of performing at a much higher speed than they are rated at. Then again, some AMD processors are sold as dual or triple cores, but are really quad cores that can, if you're lucky, be easily unlocked.

G_M

Read Rossy's post and thought "Aha! NOW I understand. Car driving down single lane road at 30 mph (3 GHz) Vs 2 cars on dual carriageway each going 30 mph. Got it!"

Then I read you guys' other posts and got totally lost again! Will sleep on it and read/think again tomorrow, but meanwhile thanks for the responses.

Lokolo

G_M wrote: »

Read Rossy's post and thought "Aha! NOW I understand. Car driving down single lane road at 30 mph (3 GHz) Vs 2 cars on dual carriageway each going 30 mph. Got it!"

Then I read you guys' other posts and got totally lost again! Will sleep on it and read/think again tomorrow, but meanwhile thanks for the responses.

Thats correct. But to be honest, unless you going to be utilising all cores and threads, the basic understanding is fine.

Richie-from-the-Boro

"" single or dual core? ""

Its not difficult, avoid the complex, you want to build a small wall of about 1400 bricks quickly. One good brickie will do it in 2 days. If you can afford two good brickes its 1 day ! - easy in-it ?

Hammyman

BTW, just because it is a Dual Core, it doesn't mean its fast. The current Dual Core Pentium chips fitted in the lower end of the market are SLOWER than the lower end Intel Core 2 Duos fitted to budget laptops THREE YEARS AGO.

spakkker

The above post is completely wrong - you mentioned current Pent D.C. and lower end Core 2 laptop cpu's -does this include L7100 (670 Passmark score ) and PDC E6800 (2396 score)???
Better still, please give a single example. Thanks in advance.

Edit: the OP is already unsure so why blow smoke in their face?