What's the difference between a dual core 2.4 Ghz processor and a normal 2.4 ghz?

Question

they both would run at the same speeds right? so if i purchase a new computer with its processor being a dual core 2.4 ghz would it really be an upgrade over my former computer which had an intel pentium 4 2.4ghz computer already?

Answer 1

All of the above answers are correct but add this to it:

1. Your older processor was probably on a higher sized die (which created more heat and ate more electricity)

2. Your older machine was probably using either PC2100 or 2700 DDR.

3. You older machine was probably utilizing an AGP graphics card.

The new machine will probably have the following:

1. Processor will probably have a smaller and more efficient die size (which will run cooler, more efficient, and eat less electricity)

2. Processor will probably be the new Core Duo, which sports two processors on one die. They usually pack a larger cache too. (the older P4's only had 512MB unless they were an extreme edition.

3. The machine will likely have the newer, faster DDR2 RAM.

4. The machine will likely have a PCI-e graphics base.

5. The machine will likely have a SATA based hard drive (which is extremely faster than PATA.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

A normal processor, like a Pentium 4, can only do one thing at a time... 1 thread at a time. So let's say you have 2 programs running... like you're downloading a song and burning a CD at the same time. The computer gives a small slice of time to 1 thread, then it switches over and gives a slice to the other. That is "multitasking." A dual-core processor is basically 2 processors on one die. Instead of having to go back and forth between the threads, a dual-core can actually do them both at once since there's 2 processors! It's amazing! So even though both processors are running at the same speed, one can do much more than the other.

Now, let's not be fooled about the speed of the processor. For example, there are Core-2 Duo processors, and there are Dual-Core processors. A Core-2 Duo that is 2.4Ghz is MUCH MUCH faster than a 2.4Ghz Dual-Core. Why? Excellent question! The technologies used to make the processors are different. But the biggest factor is the "instruction set" that the processor uses. In other words, the WAY that it crunches numbers. The Core-2 Duo crunches numbers much more efficiently than a Dual-Core. So a "slower," 1.8Ghz Core-2 is actually faster than a 2.4Ghz Dual-Core, simply because of the way it crunches the numbers.

Something else to consider- The Core-2 Duo can handle a 64-bit operating environment, the Dual-Core can only handle a 32-bit. So what? I'll tell you what! Let's say you have a game that is CAPABLE of operating in 64-bit mode. 64 bits is 2x more than 32! That means it is capable of sending 2x more data at one time. That doesn't really mean it can do things faster, but it does mean it can do MORE at once. Games and software that are 64bit tend to have more features and look nicer, simply because they can crunch more numbers in the same amount of time!

Answer 3

Well, it's not as simple as comparing CPU clock frequencies. The older P4 2.4 ghz chips aren't as fast as the newer CPU's running at the same speed. It depends on what generation P4 chip you're talking about.

For example, the new dual core CPU's even though have lower clock speeds that the Pentium D series 3GHZ vs. 2GHZ, but the new core duo chips are significantly faster.

Things such as chip architecture, instruction sets, transistor size 90nm vs 45nm ect... Make differences in the speed.

The added bonus of a dual core is the fact that you're now getting two CPUS vs. one. If you're just running one application that is not mult cpu aware, it doesn't buy you anything. However, if you multi task, now you have multiple CPUs to balance the workload.

Also special applications such as video rendering software can usually take advantage of multiple CPUs.

Now the question is whether or not to upgrade. You'd have to give us an idea of how you're planning on using your computer. If you just write papers and such and the performance is adequate I wouldn't recommend an upgrade. Usually expanding memory and getting a hard drive will get a PC that's a little slow for this type of activity up to speed.

If you are a gamer and would like to see some improvement, it may or may not be the best choice. In some cases all you really need is a faster graphics card and more memory. If you know the game is intensely CPU bound then getting the dual core would be a good choice.

Yes Dual Core is faster
Check the software you're going to use to find out if you need more CPU.

Mike

Answer 4

Yes they will run at the same speed however the Dual Core essentially has TWO processors running at the same time therefore Sharing the processing load and effectively working smarter not harder to maintain the speed. Although the MHz is the same the Dual Core may seem to actually perform some processes faster.

Answer 5

I would go with the Dual Core...2 processors will definitely run better than 1 processor. You will also want to look at the cache and bus speed of the processor too, the dual core one it probably higher for both of these.

Answer 6

The dual core is 2 processors working together. In some applications the dual core will show significant improvement in speed. In many applications, you will not notice the difference.

Answer 7

Yes, It would be an improvement either way.
Dual core processors are good for workhorse computers and cpu intensive tasks. (such as image processing, video editing, etc.)
Very few games utilize both cores at the moment, but that will change as they gain popularity.
If I were you, I would go with an AMD processor.
They are cheaper and in most cases they outperform Intel processors.

Answer 8

200 Mhz or .2 Ghz

Answer 9

dual core has 2 processor built in one

so it does to 2 processing task simulateously(parallel)

so its saves time and hence faster than normal 2.4ghz

Answer 10

Small but Sweet! 2.4 is now divided into half! Now 2.4 becomes 1.2/1.2 and is best used dual channel RAM