Dual core Computer Processor?

Question

I bought a used Alienware desktop pc almost a year ago. i didnt really need a desktop but it was so cheap that i bought it. Anyways when i go into the System Properties it says Intel Pentium D HT processor and it shows the speed of the processor as 3.79 but says it twice. Does that mean that my computer has two processors? I have a copy of the original order form and it said it has two processors but i think i only see one processor inside the case.

this is what the order form said
Processor 1
Name: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.73GHz

Manufacturer: GenuineIntel

Caption: x86 Family 15 Model 4 Stepping 3

Version: Model 4, Stepping 3

Processor Id: BFEBFBFF00000F43

Current Clock Speed: 3784MHz

Address Width: 32Bits

Data Width: 32Bits

Socket Designation: Socket 775

Processor 2
Name: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.73GHz

Manufacturer: GenuineIntel

Caption: x86 Family 15 Model 4 Stepping 3

Version: Model 4, Stepping 3

Processor Id: BFEBFBFF00000F43

Current Clock Speed: 3784MHz

Address Width: 32Bits

Data Width: 32Bits

Socket Designation: Socket 775

i think its two seperate processors, not a dual core or core duo

Answer 1

The problem with HT processors (HT=HyperThreading) is that one logical processor (the one you see in your system) is divided into two. The follow 1=Data and Sound 2=Graphics.
Processor 1 takes care of any data processing and sound processes, as many computers in those days where use mostly for bussiness software, and music listening. Processor 2 takes care of any graphics processing, and helps with sound tasks too in case processor 1 is busy with data or the other 2 processes.

The problem is that since there is one logical processor, it gets divided into 2 that means that your speed on each processor is 3.8GHz/2=1.7GHz. The problem is that there is such little speed on the processors that sometimes the processors hangs deciding where to send the the remaining main process to. Also Microsoft related operating systems are not Dual core compatible, thus making this issue a little bit badder.

However, an Alienware desktop pc is one of the best systems out there for gaming, and multimedia editing.so the buy was a good one.

Answer 2

If that Alienware PC came out earlier than April 2006, it has the Pentium 4 EE 3.73G (115 watts) which has HyperThreading technology and would show up as a "virtual dual" core. If PC is April 2006 or later, it could have the Pentium EE 965 3.73Ghz (Presler/130 watts), a real dual core.

Answer 3

Pentium 4 HT is not 2 processors, nor is it dual core. It is a virtualisation of two cores using the same core to speed up processing. Although it is faster than normal pentium 4's, it isnt as fast as real dual core processors.

Answer 4

Dual core processors were introduced on the market in 2005. How old was your computer when you bought it? Usually, the dual core processors are listed in System Properties as Duo, for example. Intel Core 2 Duo T5200 - 1.6GHz.

Answer 5

You should check to see what socket your motherboard uses :] The Dual Cores now use the LGA 775 specification while later Pentium's use the 478 socket I think. There were some 775 socket Pentium 4's I think though.

Answer 6

Yes you have a Pentium D
Yes it is a dual core processor.
Two processors built in one CPU.

Answer 7

what you paid for is a dual core processor. it means it runs at 2 processor at the same time. you didn't pay for a server, i am guessing. server motherboard uses 2 processor. meaning you see 2 processor instead of 1. in your computer you only see 1 but it runs at the rate of 2 processor. to better help you understand, click here: http://www.intel.com