Dual Core Processor Vs. Core2 Duo Processor
Intel processors took the market by storm when they were first released. Since then, their processors have been increasingly modified and improved, leading to Intel's Dual Core processors and Core 2 Duo processors. "Dual" and "Duo" simply means each processor has two cores that work together in making the performance virtually twice as fast. It allows higher-end applications to run at optimal performance, and greatly increases the performance and frame rate of games as well. A multi-core processor is crucial in running the latest operating systems at exceptional performance. Intel first introduced the Intel Dual Core processors that superseded the original Pentium models, and quickly followed up with the Core 2 Duo processors.
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Intel Dual Core Processors
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Now simply referred to as "Pentium" processors, Intel Dual Core processors are considered as the budget choice since they have been around since 2007. Dual Core processors are also found in laptops, where they excel in processing power. Dual Core processors excel in multitasking computing power, and have clock speeds of up to 2.33 GHz.
Intel Core 2 Duo Processors
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Core 2 Duo processors are improved versions of the Dual Core processors. Core 2 Duo is just a brand and does not signify that there are more cores. The processor still contains two cores on a single die and the early models have similar clock speeds to its predecessors, exceeding some models with up to a speed of 3.33 GHz. Regarding the way the processor was designed, the Core 2 is fairly similar to the Dual Core processor.
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Performance Differences
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When directly comparing the performance of Dual Core and Core 2 Duo models with the same clock speed, it is very difficult to notice any performance differences. However, Core 2 Duo models go beyond the limitations of the Dual Core products with the higher-end models, which translates to much faster loading times than any processors before it. The front side bus is also improved slightly for better communication with the RAM. Core 2 Duo can also be overclocked up to 4.0 GHz, even 6.0 GHz with the use of liquid nitrogen cooling. The maximum L2 Cache of Dual Core processors is 2 MB, while Core 2 Duo processor cache reaches up to 6 MB in selected models.
Cost
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As of October 2009, Dual Core processors are very cheap, to the point that 2.5 GHz processors cost less than Core 2 Duo processors under 2.0 GHz. Entry-level PC users may choose the less expensive Dual Core processors and still get optimal performance. Gamers and advanced users who are into digital photography and video editing may choose Core 2 Duo processors that deliver greater performance.
Bottom Line
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When comparing the two processors, it all boils down to the performance and the Core 2 Duo processors end up the faster model, with gains of up to 30 percent depending on the clock speed. This is not to say, however, that Dual Cores are not powerful. Dual Core models remain a good choice for advanced PC users.
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