Triple-Core Vs. Quad-Core Processor

A triple-core processor contains three processor cores, whereas a quad-core processor has four cores. Cores are the portion of the processor that executes the calculations necessary in order to run software.

Function

Traditionally, a processor can perform one software instruction at a time for each of its cores. Thus, quad-core processors have the potential to execute four instructions simultaneously, rather than three, speeding up the computer's overall performance.

Expert Insight

According to Legit Reviews, triple-core processors may outperform quad-cores in some cases. This is because there is limited software designed to take advantage of more than two cores. However, since the Xbox 360 uses triple-core technology, many games are written for three cores.

Value

Triple-core processors are less expensive than their quad-core counter parts. According to ZDNet, going from a dual-core processor to a triple-core processor offers about a 30 percent performance increase, while going from triple to quad offers an additional 20 percent increase. This allows budget conscious users to significantly speed up their systems without being forced into quad-core upgrades.

References

• Legit Reviews: AMD Triple Core - Marketing Hype or Mainstream Killer?
• ZDNet: AMD releases Quad and Triple core Phenom processors

Resources

• Tom's Hardware -- First Look: AMD Triple Core Phenom
• PC World: AMD to Offer Triple-core Laptop Processors
• ZDNet: Why AMD's Triple Core Phenom is a Bigger Deal than You Think