Anyone know EXACTLY how an Intel Duo Processor Works?

Question

I know that it is like two processors so that you can run two programs on each of the processors, but, how does that translate into speed of each processor. Let me explain, I am looking at purchasing an hp laptop that has a 1.87Ghz Intel Duo processor. I am under the assumption that when playing a game, the game will only be using one processor. So then it should be using half of the 1.87Ghz, assuming that the two cores are split evenly. So now my, one of two, processors is only running @ around .9Ghz. Or do each of the cores run @ 1.87Ghz. Doom 3 requires a minimum 1.5Ghz processor. Is my $2000 laptop unable to play this game due to the split core? Thanks for the answers. btw, if you dont know what you are talking about, like me, then dont answer.

Basically all I wanted to know was if the two cores both ran at the advertised speed, or if combined they equaled that speed. btw the graphics card is 256mb dedicated nvidia.

Answer 1

Dual core is TWO processing cores (essentially CPUs) running at the advertised speed of the processor - so a 1.87 GHz Dual Core system has, in effect, TWO CPUs running at 1.87 GHz EACH.

Generally, speaking this will allow you to run MULTIPLE programs faster than a computer with only one core/cpu. While Program A utilizes CPU 1, Program B can utilize CPU 2, rather than fighting for time on one.

Some programs that are multithreaded can actually use both CPUs at the same time, enhancing their performance. A multithreaded application is one that can sort of break itself up into multiple little sub programs (threads) and each thread can then run on a seperate CPU effectively running the program faster. Most games are not currently multithreaded.

HyperThreading - within each core there are two primary processing units - one that handles integers and another that handles floating point math. The way it was described to me by an intel rep once, Hyperthreading breaks up these two processing units so that if the integer unit is busy, the floating point unit can work on something else - traditionally, it was one or the other, not both. (note, the way hyperthreading breaks things up, it makes Windows think there are two CPUs per hyperthreaded core. So on the Extreme Edition Pentium 4 with dual core and hyperthreading each core, a single physical chip will appear to Windows as FOUR CPUs).

Lastly, GHz/MHz ratings of CPUs are becoming HIGHLY misleading. Today's processors have so many enhancements to them, that they are often, in pure MHz/GHz, SLOWER then older CPUs, but they run faster because of these enhancements - faster and more cache memory, hyper threading, faster memory access to the CPU, and dual core abiliities all can enhance the overall power of a processor so that MHz/GHz numbers are less accurate as a performance guage.

By the way, I can't believe someone complained about a detailed question - DON'T CHANGE - ASK YOUR QUESTIONS THIS WAY ALL THE TIME. Providing details helps people understand the context of the question and what you are trying to do so they can provide a better answer, more applicable to your situation - and sometimes the better answer won't be exactly what you are asking.

Answer 2

well, i didn't quite read the entire question (cuz its so freakin long!) but its just a Dual Core processor
it lets you do twice the amount of work a normal 1 core cpu can.
No it is not faster
it is still a 1.87GHz cpu
just think of it this way
You and just you is a single core
you can only do so much stuff at once
a Duo Core is like you and a clone
you can do twice the amount
or you can do the same program at once
at the same speed

About Doom 3, yes, Doom 3 will only use 1 of your 2 dyes on your cpu (another way of saying your 2 processors slapped into 1) and no, you will still ahve your 1.87GHz, you can play Doom 3, but its not gonna be the best. And your laptop probably doesn't have enough videocard power to get some nice graphics and low lag while playing it. Doom 3 may not be the choice of games to play on any laptop. Maybe except for crazy 6 grand alienwares.
and the Dell XPS series laptops
so as a summary
you have 2 cores
both running at 1.87GHz
put together they are still 1.87GHz, but can do twice the amount of stuff
while playing any game (with the excepttion of Call of Duty 2) it wil only use 1 of your 2 cores

Answer 3

The "Dual" core of the Pentium D processor works much like a computer with two seperate processors in it. The speed of each one of the cores is 1.87Ghz, they do not share the speed. As far as running programs, including games, on a duo core, the only way to ensure that you ONLY use one of the cores for a particular program, is by setting its affinity to either one or the other from within task manager. If an application you are running has support for multithreading, then it can make use of both the cores simultaneously. Hope this helps explain things a bit

Answer 4

Each core runs at the same 1.87GHz, first off. Applications like games will only take advantage of dual cores (or dual processors) if they're specifically written to do so. I believe Unreal Tournament was an early leader in that arena.

Remember: stated "minimum requirements" on software means MINIMAL performance and in games, that's not satisfactory. Go with AT LEAST RECOMMENDED HARDWARE specs.

Answer 5

The Intel center twin Processor has one processor although the middle creates the twin photo of the processor which improve OS quantity shadowing and consider were given the means of two processor.once you've center 2 duo 2.0ghz the middle could have perormance as a lot as 3.4 to three.7ghz.

Answer 6

Simply put, dual-core technology places two independent execution units onto the same processor die -- think of it as two processors in one. This idea differs from Intel's HyperThreading (HT) technology, which uses a single (physical) execution unit but allows the processor to run two separate (logical) execution threads. Some of the dual-core processors will also include HyperThreading, so there will be some dual-core CPUs that support four independent threads (two of the threads are running on physical execution units, and two are running on logical units).

its like two "processing units" clubbed onto one stuff...

if u still didnt understang.. let me know

Answer 7

When I have to answer questions like this I go straight to the source...intel.com and look for technical white papers. Intel is really good about providing info on their processors.

Answer 8

http://www.intel.com/support/processors/mobile/pm/sb/CS-007967.htm
http://support.intel.com/support/processors/mobile/coreduo/sb/CS-022131.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Core
-> to give u an idea of intel duo core's

dunno bout the hp model, but 4 gaming dell xps series great
especially if u spending $2000
both xps m1710 & xps m1210
http://www.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/xpsnb?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

my personal preference is the xps m1210
- great mobility, great features
only if u can manage with a 12.1" screen
also, make sure os is win xp media centre 2005
NOT win xp home or pro

compare with u'r hp and decide !