CPU Speed Dual-Core Vs. Single

Processor manufacturers have discovered that clock rates can only go so high without serious consequences. Incorporating multiple cores in a CPU is a method for enhancing computer performance without compromising the system's physical integrity.

Core

“Core” is another term for processor. The term is used in reference to multicore processors, where multiple processors work together within a central processing unit (CPU).

Speed

The speed of a CPU refers to how many instructions it can perform in one second. Modern CPUs with high clock rates (measured in gigahertz), multiple cores and capable of multithreading can perform billions of instructions per second.

Single-Core

The processor executes instructions at a rate relative to its clock rate and speed of memory. A single-core CPU can execute only one instruction at a time without the use of multithreading.

Dual-Core

A dual-core processor uses two processors in executing instructions allowing two simultaneous instructions without further aid from multithreading. A dual-core CPU is faster than a single-core processor in the sense that it can execute more instructions per second.

Multicore vs. Multithreading

Multithreading allows the execution of simultaneous instructions as with multicore CPUs, but the threads have access to a common cache only. Multicore CPUs have more cache available to them because the cores are full processors, not simulated ones.

References

• Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory: Introduction to Parallel Computing
• Clemson University: History of Multithreading
• Dell: Planning Considerations for Multicore Processor Technology

Resources

• PassMark Software: CPU Benchmark Charts