How to Compare Dual Core Mobile Processors
As of 2010, mobile computer processors are primarily dual core or better. When a computer has more than one CPU core to work with, it is able to process multiple tasks simultaneously which speeds up the overall operation of the mobile computer. Due to the proliferation of mobile dual core processors, there are many different kinds to choose from. Having the knowledge to compare the different kinds of mobile dual core processors is important before making a purchase.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Check the CPU brand. There are two primary manufacturers of mobile processors, AMD and Intel. AMD processors are generally less expensive, though Intel offers a much larger range of mobile processors to fit specific computing needs.
-
2
Check the CPU generation and manufacture date. Each new generation of processors operates faster than the previous generation at the same clock speed. For example, a processor running at 2.0 GHz released in 2006 is slower than a 2.0 GHz processor released in 2009 due to generational differences. When purchasing a mobile dual core CPU, the latest generation always offers the most features and speed for the price.
-
-
3
Check the speed. Dual core mobile CPUs from the same generation and series are directly comparable with the clock speed. A 2.2 GHz CPU is faster than a 2.0 GHz CPU of the same generation and series.
-
4
Check the on-chip cache memory (L1 and L2). The more cache memory a mobile dual core CPU has, the faster performance it provides. However, cache memory is extremely expensive and dramatically increases the price of a CPU when it features more.
-
5
Check the thread count. Some mobile dual core CPUs are able to execute multiple threads per core. For example, an Intel mobile dual core CPU with HyperThreading technology is able to execute four threads and appears as a quad core CPU to the operating system.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Higher price does not always mean a faster CPU. A cheaper CPU from a new generation may be faster than a more expensive CPU from a previous generation.
Resources
- Photo Credit cpu 9 image by Robert Molnar from Fotolia.com
