Dual Processor Vs. Single Processor

Until 2006 most processors had a single core

For most of the history of the PC the processors inside of them only had a single processing core. Recently, the use of multi-core processors has exploded, resulting in numerous affordable dual core processors.

History

The first dual core processor was released by Intel in 2005. Prior to that, all processors in PCs had only a single core.

Architecture

Dual core processors generally share architecture with single core processors, but dual core processors have two processing cores. Features not related to the processing core, like the L2 cache and the memory controller, are the same no matter the number of cores.

Day to Day Performance

The difference in performance between a dual core processor and a single core processor isn't usually noticeable in programs like Word or Internet Explorer. These rarely tax a single core, so the second isn't needed.

Games Performance

Most games can benefit greatly from a dual core processor. Many games are programmed so that an important commute heavy task, like AI or physics, can be given to the second core.

3D Rendering/Video Editing Performance

Dual core processors enjoy a massive performance bonus over single core processors in heavy-duty 3D rendering and video editing. These programs require a great deal of compute power and are capable of fully utilizing two (or more) cores.

Power Consumption

Single core processors consume less power than dual core processors because there is less functioning hardware. However, dual core processors are built to shut down the second core if it is not in use, which means that dual core processors only consume a little more power than single core processors during idle.

References

• The Tech Report: Core i3 takes on Athlon II (And Everything Else)
• Tom's Hardware: Single-Core CPUs Ain't Dead Yet