core 2 duo?

Question

If a core 2 duo says its 2.33 ghz does this mean that it is all together 2.33 or 2.33 times 2?

Answer 1

You have 2 cores on one die, 2 complete functional CPU cores. Both cores runs at the same speed of 2.33GHz, I'm sure that's easy to understand.

Now if you're utilizing both core, then you can think of 1 core at 4.66GHz, if you wants. But technically, its more appropriate to think of 2 cores running at 2.33GHz

That's because not many application runs at full load on both core. Application that can utilize both core are called multithreaded application. That means, the software can dispatch 2 threads or more simultaniously. One good example is WinRAR, compress a file using best compression quality will leave your CPU 100% utilization, because its using both core.

But older application usually use your CPU 50%, because they can use 1 core only. So you're not getting that 4.66GHz effect

Its then better to see it as 2 cores, application that supports parallel processing will use 2 core, others will use one core. Speed remains 2.33 all the time.

Answer 2

Core two duo is essentially two cores in a CPU that are both running at a (Usually) identical speed. The performance gain is however NOT double! It allows you to complete more tasks at an identical speed. Essentially this almost always makes a faster computer. Depending on Intel and AMD the way their core 2 's work changes. Here is Intel's core 2 duo

http://tuvantinhoc1088.com/my_documents/my_pictures/Giainghia2/CPU/intel-core2duo-diagram-440x370.jpg

You will notice that both cores share the same catch. This means that a larger catch is necessary.

Core 2 duo's are essential in modern computing although the new quad cores make an Even bigger lead. If you have the money reach for a quad core!

Answer 3

It means that all together you have 2.33Ghz but you can split it up and multi-task for computing enhancement. If what the person was saying above is correct than a Core 2 duo 3.0Ghz can run at 6.0Ghz?, impossible.

Answer 4

Each core runs at 2.33Ghz so it is 2.33 x 2