Emarian

We've all seen people talk about single-core processors and dual-cores, and I'm going to explain to you the difference between them and help you decide whether or not you want a single or dual core.

First off, I'm not typing single-core and dual-core over and over. Single-Core is now standard and dual-core is now duo.

First off, a processor handles information in the computer. Whereas RAM (Which I'm not getting into specifics) handles data, the CPU (Processor) handles the processing of information.

I've seen people say that RAM is more important than processor, and that's the biggest load of crap I've ever heard. If the processor is not on the same level as RAM, it's one step above.

First, let me talk about processing in general. Then we will talk about single and multiple cores.

Processors are extremely important for gaming and heavy tasks, far more than RAM. However, this does not mean that you should balance your money towards a super-fast processor and get a low amount of RAM. They must be balanced. You need enough RAM to launch the application you want, and enough processing power to manage the program once it's launched.

A powerful processor will enable you to run a resource-intensive program but do other things at the same time. For example, I'm converting 68 movies as I type this, and I'm downloading/seeding 62 torrents. However, I am experiencing no lag in Firefox.

Now, onto the number of cores, the meat of this guide.

A standard processor means that there is just one processor to handle data. A duo means that there are two. It does not mean two separate processors, it means two built together into one. The information can split between the two cores for far better management and reliability. A single core processor will support you fine in light, maybe medium gaming, but will give out on you when it comes down to heavy gaming or incredibly intensive tasks. However, a duo will last you through that heavy gaming or incredibly intensive task. The drawback of a duo is that they are more expensive and is not really used when you are not gaming or doing an intensive task (I'm going to call this extreme processing from now on).

The problem is finding out whether or not you will be doing extreme processing, and whether or not paying an extra 50-100$ more for a duo to handle that extreme processing.

Single cores are cheaper than duos, but this might not be the case for much longer. Most production of single cores have been dropping an insane amount, while duos are being pumped out like crazy. An example is Intel's Core 2 Duo processor. It's extremely popular because it's cheap, powerful, and has a high compatibility rate. It's finally cheaper and either more powerful or on the same level as AMD's Athlon X2.

There are really no drawbacks to a duo, the only thing you must consider is whether or not you will use it, and if it's needed. If not, get a single.

I am using an Intel Core 2 Duo myself..

X/X Guide by Emarian X\X

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"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
- Martin Luther King Jr.

"Every mind was made for growth, for knowledge, and its very nature is sinned against when it is doomed to ignorance."
- William Ellery Channing

Zenzerian

I also am using Intel Core 2 Duo (2.8 Ghz) at the moment.

Nice guide.

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Emarian

Intel Core 2 Duo is pretty much the most efficient cheap processor out there right now.

Thanks for the comment.

__________________


"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
- Martin Luther King Jr.

"Every mind was made for growth, for knowledge, and its very nature is sinned against when it is doomed to ignorance."
- William Ellery Channing

Apachai

lol im using a Intel Core2 Quad Processor

which is actually just 2 dual cores linked together. lol XD

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