dual core or dual processor?

Question

I am thinking of building a new computer. Can anyone explain the differences, pros and cons of dual core vs. dual processor?

Right now I am leaning to a Tyan S2875ANRF Dual Socket 940 main board with 2 gig of ram and twin 2.2 GHz AMD Opteron 248 SledgeHammer processors.

whats the difference going with this configuration vs say a 3.7 GHz Dual core?

Thank you for answering ray, but that doesnt really tell me anything more than a cut and paste spec sheet from a supplyer. I have read those pages in my search for a new system.
again, what is the difference. waht are the pros and cons of dual processor vs. dual core.

and for future answers please no cut and paste.

Answer 1

When you have more than one processor in a system then there is a certain amout of power that is lost because the two processors need to communicate to each other and let the other know what's going on. Dual core recuces the time that a message takes to go between the two, processing cores which makes the major advantage of the dual core performance increase, also the dual core models typically have a little faster and a little more L2 cache, again making the processor(s) faster over all. You also hould have plenty of RAM and a very fast hard drive so you can take advantage of the computational power that the dual core offers. I have run two systems side by side, one dual core and one two processor, both approx same processor speed and same RAM and same HDD, the dual core won by a large margin, mor than 20% and it was the slightly lower clock speed. Either way you will not be disappointed.

Answer 2

Now. Dual processor has two processors (duh). Which is good fast but noisy, and uses a lot of electricity. Dual core is an architecture which uses one processor but is equally fast, but less noisy, and uses less power. I have a dual core. Its great!

Answer 3

Overview: The AMD Opteron processor, enabling simultaneous 32- and 64-bit computing, represents the landmark introduction of the AMD64 architecture. The AMD Opteron processor is designed to run existing 32-bit applications with outstanding performance and offers customers a simplified migration path to 64-bit computing. This evolutionary processor provides a dramatic leap forward in compatibility, performance, investment protection, and reduced total cost of ownership (TCO). The AMD Opteron processor is offered in three series: the 100 series (1-way), the 200 series (1 to 2-way), and the 800 series (up to 8-way). The AMD Opteron processor provides a highly scalable architecture that delivers next-generation performance as well as a flexible upgrade path from 32- to 64-bit computing. With a single architecture designed to meet current and future business needs, the AMD Opteron processor can help to minimize the integration complexities presented by business environments today and in the future.
Main Specifications
Product Description AMD Opteron 248 2.2 GHz processor
Product Type Processor
Processor Type AMD Opteron 248
Processor Qty 1
Clock Speed 2.2 GHz
Bus Speed 800 MHz
Cache Memory L2 1 MB
Compatible Slots 1 x processor - Socket 940
Manufacturer Warranty 3 years warranty
General
Product Type Processor
Processor
Type / Form Factor AMD Opteron 248
Processor Qty 1
Clock Speed 2.2 GHz
Bus Speed 800 MHz
Instruction Set X86-64
Cache Level 1 Size 128 KB
Architecture Features Streaming SIMD extensions, streaming SIMD extensions 2, HyperTransport technology, AMD64 technology, integrated memory controller
Cache Memory
Installed Size L2 cache - 1 MB
Expansion / Connectivity
Compatible Slots 1 x processor - Socket 940
Miscellaneous
Package Type AMD Processor in a Box (PIB)
Included Accessories Heatsink, cooler (fansink)
Manufacturer Warranty
Service & Support 3 years warranty
Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 3 years





1GB PC2700 ECC REGISTERED DDRAM
LIFETIME WARRANTY

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

512MB PC2700 ECC REGISTERED DDRAM
LIFETIME WARRANTY

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CORSAIR CM75SD2048RLP-2700
2GB PC2700 ECC REGISTERED DDRAM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MICROSTAR K8D MASTER 3-FA4R (MS-9161-02S)
WITHOUT CPU

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TYAN S2882G3NR (REQUIRES REGISTERED DDRAM)
WITHOUT CPU

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TYAN S2882UG3NR (REQUIRES REGISTERED DDRAM)
WITHOUT CPU

---------------------------------------------------
Overview: The Intel® Pentium® Processor Extreme Edition, with the processing capabilities of four threads, delivers more computing capabilities that enable you to explore new ways to accomplish and enjoy performance-intensive tasks on your PC.
Main Specifications
Product Description Intel Pentium D 955 3.46 GHz processor
Product Type Processor
Processor Type Intel Pentium D Dual-Core 955 - 64-bit
Processor Socket LGA775 Socket
Processor Qty 1
Clock Speed 3.46 GHz
Bus Speed 1066 MHz
Cache Memory L2 4 MB (2x2MB)
Compatible Slots 1 x processor - LGA775 Socket
General
Product Type Processor
Processor
Type / Form Factor Intel Pentium D Dual-Core 955 - 64-bit
Processor Qty 1
Clock Speed 3.46 GHz
Bus Speed 1066 MHz
Processor Socket LGA775 Socket
Thermal Specification 63.4 °C
Architecture Features Hyper-Threading Technology, Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology, Execute Disable Bit capability, 2MB L2 Advanced Transfer Cache for each core
Cache Memory
Installed Size L2 cache - 4 MB
Expansion / Connectivity
Compatible Slots 1 x processor - LGA775 Socket
Miscellaneous
Package Type Intel Boxed



yeah ur right dp3 I just didn't read it all !

Processor Brand AMD


Processor Class Opteron


Processor Number 248


Processor Speed 2.20GHz


Processor Interface Socket 940


Processors Supported 2


Memory Type DDR


Total Memory 2 GB
That's ok now?