Choosing a Dual or Quad Core Processor (CPU)

By Allyn Perdue

Multi-core processors are simply two or more single or dual core central processing units (CPUs) mounted in extreme proximity to one another. They are capable of handling separate program components (threads) faster than a single CPU. Their most tangible benefit comes when running background processes such as virus scans while doing other tasks simultaneously. Combined with adequate system memory, a computer with a multi-core processor feels quicker and more responsive to the user.

Quad Core CPUs

Quad core (4-core) processors are ideal for serious video buffs and professionals who do their own image rendering. Video applications such as Pinnacle Studio run significantly faster in a quad core environment and can save users much time when working with multiple or large projects. Also, new games are being written to take advantage of multi-core parallel processing.

Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q9300 or Q6600
Intel's Core 2 Quad Q9300 is an excellent processor and at current prices is highly recommended. The Q6600 also is an excellent choice though not quite as efficient as the Q9300.

AMD® Phenom 9650
AMD's new Phenom X4 9650 is a competitive lower-cost alternative to the Intel Q6600.  Phenom X4 9650 is an acceptable choice if appropriately priced.

The Phenom X4 9100e is a low-power low performance quad core processor that is acceptable for home theatre systems and for non-professional video and audio editing applications. It is offered with some HP systems but is often overpriced.

Dual Core CPUs

Several members have asked how to make sense of dual core processor naming conventions. The main complaint is that the names are too similar sounding. I agree with that. Let’s try to sort it out:

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo
Core 2 Duo is the second iteration of the Intel Core Micro-Architecture. The newest desktop models are the E7200 and E8000 series; all are excellent performers. The E8000 series is ultra efficient and is widely available.

Notebook versions feature outstanding power management and are superior to any other processor in overall efficiency. Core 2 Duo for laptop computers are highly recommended. Specific model numbers I suggest are the new T8100 and T9300 for top-end performance.

Intel® Pentium® Dual Core E Series
The Pentium Dual Core E series have one-half the L2 Cache of desktop Core 2 Duo E4000 series processors. Affordably priced, performance is more than adequate for basic computing tasks.

Intel® Celeron® Dual Core E Series
The Celeron Dual Core E series have one-fourth the L2 Cache of desktop Core 2 Duo E4000 series processors. Performance is inferior to the Pentium Dual Core.

Intel® Pentium® Dual Core T Series
This series are OEM processors sold only with new budget laptop/notebook computers. They are quite good for the typical laptop user not needing high multimedia performance.

AMD® Turion 64 X2
AMD Turion 64 X2 is the dual core version of the Turion 64 for notebook computers. Turion 64 X2 performs very well but does not give as much battery run time as competing Intel notebook processors. If battery run time is not mission-critical, a Turion 64 X2 makes an excellent home or office notebook computer.

AMD Athlon 64 X2
Athlon 64 X2 is AMD’s mainstream desktop processor line. For the most part, they are efficient, excellent performers and are now very competitively priced. All models from the 5600+ and down are best buys. Efficiency is excellent when paired with integrated graphics solutions from Nvidia and AMD. Such pairings are offered by Dell in their Inspiron 531 Energy Star 4.0 line of computers.

The Athlon 64 X2 will be phased out by the second quarter of 2009. They are being replaced with 45 watt Athlon X2 (AMD 64 Micro-Architecture) and Athlon 6000 series processors (AMD Stars Micro-Architecture).

AMD Athlon X2
Athlon X2 is currently AMD’s high efficiency entry level processor. Featuring a 45 watt Thermal Design Power rating, the Athlon X2 is the most efficient low cost dual core processor available when paired with Nvidia 6100 and AMD 780 chipsets with integrated graphics. The Athlon X2 marks a change in marketing for AMD as the venerable "+" processor rating and "64" have been dropped from processor naming.

AMD Sempron Dual Core
AMD created the Sempron Dual Core in response to the Intel Celeron Dual Core. The first model is the DC 2100+ which performs essentially the same as the Intel Celeron Dual Core E1200.

Ultra high end CPUs

In addition to the mainstream and budget processors already mentioned, AMD and Intel manufacture processors for power users and enthusiasts. AMD's premium line is the Athlon 64/Phenom FX series and Intel's top end is the Intel Core 2 Extreme Edition series. These processors have an "unlocked" core multiplier allowing users to customize performance. Because they are usually very expensive and not of interest to most Sun City/Riverbend residents, ultra high end CPUs are not covered in detail here.

Q&A and Recommendations

Which quad core processor is best for desktop systems?

The best for the money is the Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 offered with middle and upper mainstream systems from Dell, Gateway, and Hewlett-Packard.

Which dual core processor is best for desktop systems?

Because most Sun City residents use their computers only for email, basic documents, and occasional Internet surfing, the dual core AMD Athlon 64 X2 4000+ and 5000+ are ideal. Alternatively, the Pentium Dual Core E2160 and E2180 are good choices. Note that computers with AMD processors often cost less than current Intel Pentium Dual Core and Core 2 Duo models.

For persons interested in occasional multimedia work and photo image manipulation, consider the AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ or Intel Core 2 Duo E6550. They are great for basic operations and are quite good for home multimedia work. Prices are now within reach of most budgets.

Persons interested in high performance games or who simply want the best at a reasonable price should investigate the aging Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 and E6850. For more recent high efficiency models, investigate the E8200 and E8400. These new-technology processors should be widely available by April 2008.

Which dual core processor is best for mobile computers?

If raw performance and maximum battery run time is mission critical, the only real choice is the Intel Core 2 Duo because of its speed and superior power management features. I suggest for most buyers the Core 2 Duo T7200 or any member of the T5000 series. If battery run time is not critical, an AMD Turion 64 X2 series processor is fine.

Alternatively, any Pentium Dual Core T series is a good choice for the casual user.

RAM

I advise notebook shoppers to pre-configure two gigabytes (2 GB) system RAM. It is best to have the RAM preinstalled than to deal with upgrading later mainly because most one gigabyte installations consist of two 512 MB modules which happen to fill both DIMM slots. It is better to have one gigabyte in each DIMM slot from date of purchase.

What is a Centrino® or Centrino 2® processor?

There is actually no such processor. Intel Centrino Technology is a marketing platform specifying a combination of chipset, processor, and wireless technology.

Future processors from AMD and Intel

During the next few months, AMD and Intel will be introducing new processors to market. This document will be periodically revised to reflect market changes.

For more detailed information about processors, visit AMD and Intel Processor Guides.

Most Important Tip for that New Computer

Adequate system memory (RAM) is more important than the processor choice. When ordering a new computer, be sure to specify a two gigabytes (2 GB) RAM. Two GB systems run much smoother than systems with less.

AP

7.20.2008