Quad Core vs Dual Core – PerformanceJust like putting in more cylinders in a car engine provides greater speed and power, one would think that putting in twice as many processors should double the performance speed, right? Unfortunately, that is not true in case of multiprocessor chips and the speed does not double up, but is substantially higher. The reason for that is twofold. Although a dual or a quad core has multiple cores, the clocking speed does not double up as the task is not shared by the two or four processors simultaneously. However, there is an increased multitasking ability due to division of tasks among the chips. So quad cores can be fast but not twice as fast.
The second reason why the increased speed of the quad core due to greater multitasking ability is not useful is the incompatibility of softwares being run on them. The software that is being run has to have a multithreading facility. That is, it should be programmed to be able to use the four cores at a time! Very few software products can do that currently. If you run Adobe Photoshop on a quad core, which has a multithreading facility, you will see the application zooming fast compared to that on a dual core computer. Though the clocking speed is not substantially higher than dual core processors, quad processors offer phenomenal multitasking ability which surpasses any other processors. Let us get into a more specific comparison in terms of the quad core vs dual core – benchmarks. Here I present a performance comparison between Intel's dual core vs quad core processors and AMD's quad core vs dual core processors.
Intel Quad Core Vs Dual Core
The Intel quad cores provide a maximum clocking speed of around 3 Ghz which is comparable to the high end dual and is a lot more expensive than Intel dual cores. With a greater (12 Mb) L2 cache, the processing speed is indeed enhanced for the quad. However, you won't see the difference in the operation of a high end Intel dual core and a Intel quad, unless you run graphic intensive applications or application that use up substantial processing power. Read more on what is processor cache.
AMD Quad Core Vs Dual Core
The AMD Quad Phenom has a maximum clocking speed of 3.4 Ghz, compared to the the Intel dual core maximum clocking speed of 3.33 GHz. This combined with a faster communicating ability between cores due to the 2000 MHz maximum FSB (Front Side Bus) compared to 1600 MHz FSB in Intel dual cores, AMD Quad Phenom is much faster. The AMD Quad processor also costs lesser than the dual cores of Intel. So AMD is clearly the winner here as it is faster and cheaper.
Quad Core Vs Dual Core - Gaming
If you make a comparison between dual core vs quad core processors, in terms of 3D graphic intensive gaming, the quad processors are clear winners. Due to their higher multitasking ability and the multithreading capacity of 3D gaming softwares, quad processors can easily handle graphic intensive gaming.
Quad Core Vs Dual Core – Prices
The prices of quad core are substantially higher than dual cores. Intel's quad Q8200 processor is priced at $170 compared to the prices of dual cores which are substantially lower. AMD quad prices are a bit lower compared to Intel quad processors.
Quad Core Vs Dual Core Processors: Verdict
In terms of performance, the quad core wins over hands down over the dual cores in terms of multitasking ability. More and more softwares are catching up and being upgraded with multithreading ability. That essentially means that buying a quad core is sound investment for the future. Once you upgrade to a quad core, you won't have to upgrade for a long time for sure!
AMD vs Intel Processors
The second reason why the increased speed of the quad core due to greater multitasking ability is not useful is the incompatibility of softwares being run on them. The software that is being run has to have a multithreading facility. That is, it should be programmed to be able to use the four cores at a time! Very few software products can do that currently. If you run Adobe Photoshop on a quad core, which has a multithreading facility, you will see the application zooming fast compared to that on a dual core computer. Though the clocking speed is not substantially higher than dual core processors, quad processors offer phenomenal multitasking ability which surpasses any other processors. Let us get into a more specific comparison in terms of the quad core vs dual core – benchmarks. Here I present a performance comparison between Intel's dual core vs quad core processors and AMD's quad core vs dual core processors.
Intel Quad Core Vs Dual Core
The Intel quad cores provide a maximum clocking speed of around 3 Ghz which is comparable to the high end dual and is a lot more expensive than Intel dual cores. With a greater (12 Mb) L2 cache, the processing speed is indeed enhanced for the quad. However, you won't see the difference in the operation of a high end Intel dual core and a Intel quad, unless you run graphic intensive applications or application that use up substantial processing power. Read more on what is processor cache.
AMD Quad Core Vs Dual Core
The AMD Quad Phenom has a maximum clocking speed of 3.4 Ghz, compared to the the Intel dual core maximum clocking speed of 3.33 GHz. This combined with a faster communicating ability between cores due to the 2000 MHz maximum FSB (Front Side Bus) compared to 1600 MHz FSB in Intel dual cores, AMD Quad Phenom is much faster. The AMD Quad processor also costs lesser than the dual cores of Intel. So AMD is clearly the winner here as it is faster and cheaper.
Quad Core Vs Dual Core - Gaming
If you make a comparison between dual core vs quad core processors, in terms of 3D graphic intensive gaming, the quad processors are clear winners. Due to their higher multitasking ability and the multithreading capacity of 3D gaming softwares, quad processors can easily handle graphic intensive gaming.
Quad Core Vs Dual Core – Prices
The prices of quad core are substantially higher than dual cores. Intel's quad Q8200 processor is priced at $170 compared to the prices of dual cores which are substantially lower. AMD quad prices are a bit lower compared to Intel quad processors.
Quad Core Vs Dual Core Processors: Verdict
In terms of performance, the quad core wins over hands down over the dual cores in terms of multitasking ability. More and more softwares are catching up and being upgraded with multithreading ability. That essentially means that buying a quad core is sound investment for the future. Once you upgrade to a quad core, you won't have to upgrade for a long time for sure!
The central processing unit (CPU) is to computers what brain is to human beings. If the CPU does not function properly, a 22 inch LCD monitor would be absolutely futile. The point, therefore is that there is no use of 'beauty without brains'! Jokes apart, though, in computers, the processor is what you pay for the most, and then the other things follow suit. Talking of processors, Intel and AMD processors are the ones selling like hot cakes in the market. Which one is better, depends on what kind of a computer setup you are looking for. For now, lets take a look at AMD vs Intel Processors.
AMD vs Intel Processors Comparison
The Intel Story
Intel is undoubtedly the best processor on the face of this earth, I guess. You just cannot imagine a computer without an Intel processor! Although there were a few hiccups in between with the Pentium 4, the core series has got them back right on track. The latest chipset by Intel, the 'Xeon' is a dual core processor which boosts computer performance for business applications. If you purchase a P4 3.4 GHZ with HT Technology or a Xeon Processor you will spend between $4 and $1200 on an average. Intel, synonymous with processors, almost has a faster processor, which can handle much more. These processors have always been top notch, when it comes to main clock speed. Moreover, the need for a front side bus has been totally bypassed by Intel chips.
AMD Saga
Advanced Micro Devices' AMD Turion and Athlon are giving a tough fight to Intel. Starting off by making chips almost exactly like Intel's, later AMD started developing their own microprocessor chips. AMD processors have good power, if you are looking at gaming and stuff, but nothing more. However, AMD wins hands down when it comes to price in the battle of AMD vs Intel processors. Moreover, AMD has worked a lot on the power consumption and heating factor of its processors and AMD's Phenom is doing pretty well in the market.
AMD vs Intel Processors for Gaming
The cardinal question, when it comes to AMD vs Intel processors, is which one is good for gaming. Well, many a times, the gamers have given a nod to AMD processors. First things first, AMD is good when it comes to power, but that's that, for gaming. Yes, you save money and you can use the same to upgrade your system with a new graphics card and stuff. However, if you are not the kind who would be hooked on to games for ever, Intel is the way to go (It almost always is, isn't it?). If you are not a voracious gamer, Intel is the way to go. Even AMD's fastest chip, the Phenom X4 9950 (about $240), comes second when compared to equivalent systems packing a Core 2 Duo E8500 in dual-core friendly games. Eventually, it is up to you to decide who is the winner in AMD vs Intel processors based on what you want to do.
AMD vs Intel Processors Laptops
When you are looking at comparing the 2 processors for laptops, core clock speed is the first thing to consider. Intel is way ahead of AMD in that respect. When it comes to front side bus, which enhances the communication between multiple processing cores, Intel and AMD both are at par, nearly. Moving onto the features of lets say AMD Turion, it has several features in its dual core technology. To name a few, these are cool core and power now which work on the issues of increased power consumption and reduced generation of heat. Intel's Core 2 Duo and other high end processors are much more efficient and are faster, which works for laptop computers. This is one of the aspects when it comes to what to look for when buying a laptop.
Last but not the least, in the AMD vs Intel processors dilemma, is the heat generation factor and cost. It is better to fully inquire about how do both the processors deal with the problem, though both of them have improved greatly in this department. When it comes to price, AMD may have an advantage over Intel, as they are cheaper. Again it depends what is going to be the end usage, which one will be a preferred choice, with regards to AMD versus Intel chips comparison.
Some of the AMD vs Intel processors reviews may be a bit biased towards Intel, but that is crystal clear considering that Intel, by far, seems to be the best when it comes to processors, even if they are a bit expensive. You win some you lose some, right? Eventually it is not possible to write off either one in any department, unless you know what you want and what you are looking for, when it comes to AMD vs Intel processors. This is where I sign off!
Best Computer Processors On the Market
Unarguably the Best Computer Processor to Buy - Intel Core i7 980XIf you are looking for simply the best and cutting edge for your laptop or desktop computer, the Intel core i7 980X is 'The One'. It is simply the best processor on the planet. The most power packed processor launched by Intel, this is a beast of a CPU, with 6 cores, 12 threads, 12 MB smart cache and a maximum clocking frequency of 3.33 GHz that can touch 3.6 GHZ on demand, thanks to Intel's TurboBoost technology. Its 32nm architecture means that it is a leaner, yet more powerful beast than its 45nm build predecessors. Get over the quad core vs dual core debate, six core processors are here!
Intel vs AMD Processor Comparison 2010
If you are planning to buy a new desktop or laptop, you will notice the names of three new Intel created processor lines named core i3, core i5, and core i7 in the specifications. If you are undecided on whether to opt for the old core 2 duo models or go for these new lines, this article might help you decide. After reading through this article, you won't feel the need to make an Intel core i3 vs core 2 duo comparison. So how do the i3, i5 and i7 lines differ and what more do they offer compared to the older core 2 duo lines? That is what I explain through the core i3 vs core i5 vs core i7 comparison presented here.
Intel Core i3 Vs i5 Vs i7 Comparison
Intel has presented the new hierarchy of its processors with three classes. The entry level processors are the core i3 series, mid level processors are core i5 series and high end ones are the core i7 processors. Let us see how these three processor lines differ in terms of technical specifications and performance.
Core i3 Vs i5 Vs i7: Technical Specifications
Let us begin with the core i3 line. Core i3 5xx (Clarkdale) series launched in January 2010 consists of three processors (i3-530, i3-540 and i3-550) with a clocking frequency ranging from 2933 MHz to 3200 MHz. All three processors have a 2x256 KB L2 cache, 4MB L3 smart cache with DMI (direct media interface) bus and are fitted with the new LGA 1156 socket. All three processors have two cores and an integrated GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) and are based on a 32 nm architecture which enables more transistors to be placed on a chip compared to the earlier 45 nm architecture.
The processors have two cores and four threads backed by Intel's hyperthreading and virtualization technology that enhances the multitasking ability of these chips. Hyperthreading is simultaneous multithreading ability. The Intel HD graphics technology offers great visual performance. All in all, the core i3 series is a great entry level chip that offers all that a home user needs including high quality 3D graphics and great multitasking ability. The price for all the chips is around $133. Other than these processors Intel has developed i3, i5 and i7 lines for mobile phones too.
Now let us move to the second part of our core i3 vs i5 vs i7 comparison and discuss the core i5 line of processors. This family of processors consists of three lines of processors which include the core i5 7xx, core i5 7xxS and core i5 6xx series. They have processor clocking frequencies ranging from 2.4 GHz to 3.33 GHz which can be enhanced by Intel's new Turbo Boost technology. Some processors have 4 cores with 4 threads (core i5-7xx and core i5-7xxS Lynnfield series) and some with 2 cores and 4 threads (core i5- 6xx Clarkdale Series with hyperthreading disabled). Most have an 8MB L3 cache, with LGA 1156 socket, direct media interface and integrated GPU. All are enabled with Intel Turbo Boost technology, Intel HD graphics and Intel Smart Cache technology. Prices range from $176 to $256. Core i5 have the edge over the core i3 processors in terms of the Turbo Boost technology that makes them faster and powerful.
Let us now move towards the last part of the intel core i3 vs i5 vs i7 comparison and discuss the core i7 processor family. The core i7 family of processors are built to outperform. They consist of eight different series of processors. Dubbed by Intel to be 'The Best Processors On the Planet', these are quad core processors with 8 threads with clocking frequencies touching 3.06 GHz which can be enhanced to 3.33 GHz with Intel's Turbo Boost and Hyperthreading Technology.
With 8 MB of smart cache which reaches 12 MB in the Gulftown line, these processors are nothing short of phenomenal. With 3 channels of DDR3 1066 MHz memory that is backed by an integrated memory controller and Intel's QuickPath Interconnect technology (that enables upto 25.6 GB/Sec of data transfer speed), the core i7 processors are simply unbeatable. The prices range from $320 to $1000.
Core i3 Vs i5 Vs i7: Performance
In terms of performance, if you make a core i3 vs i5 vs i7 comparison, the graph rises higher as you go from the i3 line, through the i5 line towards the core i7 line. Core i3 is a great entry level processor that offers high definition graphics and 3D capabilities and ensures that multitasking wouldn't take a toll on computer speed. This is the default pick for home users with desktop computers.
The core i5 line is speedier and more powerful than the i3 line offering all that the i3 series offers and yet goes beyond in terms of performance. The Turbo Boost technology along with hyperthreading technology enables two different tasks to be handled by two different processors which increases processing speed. They are the best processors for laptops with a high level of multitasking needs.
A core i5 vs core i7 comparison reveals that the i7 lines are simply miles ahead of the two other processor lines. The i3 vs i5 vs i7 benchmark tests reveal core i7 processors to be the clear winners. The i7 line has an inherent advantage provided by the four cores. A quad core vs dual core comparison will reveal the edge that more cores give a processor. You can develop 3D games and images, go for video editing and get an unparalleled gaming experience. Core i7 line places phenomenal computing power at your fingertips.
Hope this straightforward core i3 vs i5 vs i7 comparison has cleared any doubts you had about these new processor lines developed by Intel. Opt for core i3 processors if you are a home user with graphic intensive application usage and mainly multimedia use. Core i5 processors are for people who want to go for intensive gaming and run heavy programs. The top of the line core i7 processors are best for people who want to go for intensive multitasking and are designed for computers that have to function as web servers or database servers, video editing workstations or developer workstations. They are designed for business use. However, all depends on how much are you willing to pay for a new laptop or desktop. If you can afford it, why not go for a top of the line processor of the core i7 line? The decision is yours of course. Choose any processor from any line but my personal recommendation would be to go for the mid level core i5 series, which is cost effective, reasonably priced and offers real value for your money!
