Hello all!
Today computing are mainly categoriezed into to sections:
desktop and mobile. The desktop users will always get to use the latest technologies
first, and brag about how powerful their systems are, such as dual graphic card displays (better yet quad graphics
display),
Godzilla size harddrives, and they don't have to worry all too much about cooling since
they can always add more fans, use water cooling, or even phase change cooling
Better yet, they can even change the case or upgrade parts.
On the other hand there are the mobility users, upgrading is very limited. The mobility user are always a few
technologies behind the desktop
user, such as they won't have the newest technology the desktop user already have, until a few years later on.
Now a new technology the desktop user had for so long, has finally come to the mobile platform.
It's called the dual core processor (or called dual core cpu). The cpu make look just like any other cpu you see
out there
but on the inside it packs a totally different type of architecture. Instead of one brain, it's actually got
two.
In the a mobile platform will a dual core cpu hands down be better than a single core cpu and is it even worth
spending the extra $300 to $500 just to get one? Also will the mobile user get to enjoy their computing experience as
much as a desktop user? Let's find out. :)
Now let's take a deeper look as to what is a dual core processor?
A dual core processor is actually two process in one die.
When a desktop user who has a dual core system, it lets them
run multiple applications efficiently and also reduce the amount of time it takes
to complete the task. This make the desktop user extremely happy!
Now it's the mobile users turn to take a chance and see if they will get the most
of their dual core laptops. By the way as some of you may be reading this, you must
be wondering what is the diffrence between a desktop dual core processor and a
mobile dual core processor? Well there are some diffrences and this is what they are.
A desktop dual core processor use a different type of socket layout called LGA775 also
known as SocketT. It uses a 90nm process (for the 800 series) and a 65nm process (for the 900 series).
Each has it's own 1mb of L2 cache.
As for the mobile dual core cpu it uses socket479 similar to it's
predecessor the Intel Pentium M which also uses socket 479, but the pin layout has changed in
a mobile dual core so therefore the Intel Pentium M and the mobile dual core will not be compatible with each other.
In other words, you can not get a dual core cpu and install it on your Pentium M laptop. The dual core cpu will not
fit.
It is also built on the newer 65nm process, includes 2mb of "smart" L2 cache, XD disable bit*, and Vanderpool
Technology+ also
known as VT technology+.
*XD disable bit is available on all dual core cpus
+Vanderpool Technology (VT technology) is only available on the 900 Intel Pentium D and the mobile dual core cpus.
Intel Pentium D 800 series does not support Vanderpool Technology (VT technology).
What make the mobile dual core special from its desktop dual core is its 2mb of "smart" L2 cache.
In a desktop dual core there is also 2mb of L2 cache, but each core gets 1mb and they do not like to share it with each
other.
In a mobile dual core, each core also gets 1mb, but it's shared among both cores.
When executing a application when the working core needs the extra help by
taking the cache from the idle core and improves performance.
AMD will eventually implement VT into their own processors it's
code name is called "Pacifica"
Systems used in benchmarks.
System#1 (desktop)
Intel Celeron D 3GHz
1GB DDR400 ram (2x512mb) with dual channel mode
80gb harddrive
Intel 915g
Windows XP Professional with SP2
System#2 (desktop)
Intel Pentium D 2.8GHz
1GB DDR2 667MHz ram (2x512mb) with dual channel mode
80gb harddrive
Intel 945p
Windows XP Professional with SP2
System#3 (laptop)
Intel Core Duo 1.8GHz
1GB DDR2 533MHz ram (2x512mb) with dual channel mode
80gb harddrive
Intel 945gm
Windows XP Professional with SP2
The first system is use to show a general perspective
to see how a single core processor performs.
The image test is from
driverhaven.net
You may download it here
image test suite download
The test consists of 12 filter test.
All systems were set to the requirements according to the site.
All systems were forced to finish its idle process.
All systems had their startup programs shutdown as well as disconnected
from the Internet.
Now for the benchmark results.
The dual core processors have their 2nd core turned off
The Intel Pentium D's 2nd core is was disabled by using the
switch command inside Boot.ini
The single core Celeron D has a higher frequency therefore it's able to
compete with the single core Intel Pentium D. Right here it seems the Intel Core Duo is not performing to well
Same here also.
The multitasking test had the following applications running in the background.
Compressing a 846mb file using WinZip set to maximum compression
Converting two video clips (total size of 362mb) into High Definition Divx format
This setup is repeated during each test.
Right here we see the Intel Core Duo gaining some performance, and it's pretty close to the Intel Pentium D. Even
though the Intel Celeron D has a higher clock speed, somehow it can't handle multitasking too well.
The Intel Core Duo takes the crown in this category
Now for the dual core benchmarks
The 2nd core is enabled
The first system has been elminated because it does not have a 2nd core.
The multitasking test had the following applications running in the background.
Compressing a 846mb file using WinZip set to maximum compression
Converting two video clips (total size of 362mb) into High Definition Divx format
This setup is repeated during each test.
The Intel Core Duo come pretty close to its desktop processor.
The benchmark speaks for itself
The Intel Core Duo performs a really good score here.
Right here, the Intel Core Duo shines. It manages to beat the desktop processor.
Even though it has a lower clock speed.
As you can see in the benchmarks. The Intel Core Duo does perform really well thoughout the whole test. And it even beats the desktop, when multitasking. If you are planning to get a new laptop, a dual core processor will be the right choice.
If you are planning to get a desktop, getting a system with a dual core processor is also a right decision.
A single core laptop starts around aprox $850 (but it's not Pentium M or AMD Turion 64)
A dual core laptop starts around aprox $1600
Apple's Mac Book Pro (dual core) starts aprox at $1999
Thank you all in advance for taking your time to read it.
