Is a dual-core processor worthwhile having on a home computer?

Question

I read somewhere that when using Wndows XP Home, the second core doesn't get used much. Is it worth the additional expense?

Answer 1

There are many, many different situations where dual-core makes a difference - many more than are listed in the other answers.

They are definitely worth it. For one thing, all future processors are going to have multiple cores. Single core is going the way of the dodo. Therefore, software developers have this in mind, and you can expect more programs written in the future to take advantage of them.

But you will see an impact immediately. The Windows NT Kernel (found in Windows XP Home and Pro) effectively manages multiple threads running at once. So even if the program you're using wasn't written for multiple CPUs, it can still run faster on a dual-core CPU. This is because Windows will off-load to one CPU many of the processes running in the background. The other CPU gets what's left over. So it's almost like giving your program it's own CPU sharing it a lot less than before. Hence, any program has the potential to run faster. You notice the biggest improvements with apps that suck a lot of CPU, such as a CD/DVD burning program, video editing software, or a game.

It's more technical than that, but just know that there are many uses for dual-cores that aren't often talked about. The overall experience with one is a noticeable improvement over single cores.

Answer 2

I replaced a single core processor in a 2005 Windows Media Center Edition with dual-core. Things like watching HDTV and opening up Titan TV Program Guide at the same time work great. It was kind of clunky with a single core.

Answer 3

personally if you was looking to buy a new processor then the price difference between single and dual core processor is worth it. As the dual core will make a worthwhile difference.

But if you have a good single core cpu and was wondering if you should upgrade to a dual core then i would say no as the cost to performance ratio wont be worth it.

Answer 4

If you are just doing email, internet and word processing, then it's not worth it. If you are doing serious work with a newer version of Photoshop & with large photos, then it will be much faster.

PS: Don't buy an Intel Core Duo machine. They are power hogs & run very hot. Get either the AMD Athlon, or the newest Intel Duo Core 2 machine.

Answer 5

Depends on what you're doing with your computer.

If all you do is a little browsing and email, you won't notice the difference. If you deal with multiple large files and documents across a network or you're an MMO gamer, you'll have an advantage.

Plus, the next generation of operating systems (Vista, etc) will take more advantage of multi-core processors. Right now, only server OSs are designed for multiple processors.

Answer 6

it depends on which dual core processor i haven't had the cash yet to get one but i use amd you can get alot of usefull info from the website. while i was looking into other things i found there is a special way you should install your operating system so you get the full capacity from the processors.

Answer 7

i have one they are great plus in a couple of years u will be wishing u had 1 there not that much more anyway

Answer 8

If you use Photoshop it is!