Disadvantage of a Multi-core Processor
A multi-core processor is a processor die that contains multiple processor cores wired together into a single unit. This is different than having multiple processors installed in one system. In the latter scenario, each separate CPU has its own CPU socket and access to its own dedicated resources. In a multi-core processor system, the processor sits in one socket, and the resources--such as the LLCs, memory controllers and prefetching hardware--are shared between the cores.
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Power Considerations
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A multi-core processor runs faster than a single processor; as a result, it needs more electrical power. This additional power results in additional heat, which in turn increases the demand on the computer's cooling architecture. Another power consideration is the battery requirement for multi-core processor laptops. A multi-core laptop needs a more powerful battery to support the faster chip for a longer period of time.
Speed
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A multi-core processor is not equal to the same count of separate processors. For example, a quad-core processor is not four times faster than a single processor. The actual speed of a multi-core processor falls somewhere between a single-core processor of the same type, and multiple processors equal to the core count. Exactly where the multi-core processor falls in this range depends on the speed of each core and the total number of cores.
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Cost
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Multi-core processors cost more than their single-core counterparts. However, because they share some hardware resources, multi-core processors tend to cost less than the combined cost of the same count of multiple processors.
Available Software
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Regular software applications will run on a multi-core processor; in fact, they will run more efficiently, especially in multitasking scenarios. The major downside is that as of 2010 there isn't much software written to take true advantage of the multi-core processing environment. To harness the power of a multi-core system, the operating system must recognize multi-threading, and the software must be written using simultaneous multi-threading technology (SMT).
Hardware Requirements
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A multi-core processor must have the proper hardware to recognize and support it. Older computer systems may not be compatible with newer multi-core technology; in these cases a new motherboard is required, one that is compatible with the multi-core processor. Purchase of a new motherboard may also require purchase of other new hardware, depending on the motherboard's configuration.
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References
Resources
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