Dual-Core Computers
SHA Newsletter: Vol 1. No. 11

Dual-core CPU’s

Dual-core microprocessor chips are the latest big thing in chip design. If you are in the market for a new computer, you might be offered a “dual-core” machine. Here’s something to think about dual-core CPU’s.

What’s a dual-core CPU?
The CPU (central processing unit) is the brain inside the computer. Computer CPU’s have brand names like Pentium, Athlon, Itanium, etc. as well as a gobbledygook of numbers. Inside the chip, there are the core circuits that do the actual work, extra support circuits, and a whole mess of connections that hook up to the system board.

Guess what? Dual-core devices have two sets of the core circuits that do the work. So it’s precisely like having two processors – two brains, if you will – inside the computer. In theory, you can run two tasks at one time, and do twice the work of a single-core computer. In practice, your programs frequently need to be specially-designed to work on such a computer. It might be faster, but it won’t be precisely twice as fast. In some cases, depending on the job at hand, it might not be any faster than a comparable single-core system.

But I can run two programs at once already!
On single-processor systems, only one task can go on at one time. That might be the Web browser you’re using, or the document you are printing in the background. The computer switches between programs rapidly, so it looks like they are running at the same time. But in reality, only one is running at any moment. For most people, this doesn’t matter, but it can be important for some heavy mathematical, database, or scientific programs. These programs can’t be interrupted, or perhaps they need to do work in parallel.

Before the advent of dual-core processors, users of these specialized programs had to buy multiprocessor systems that include multiple CPU chips on the system board. These are complicated to design and expensive. If you run Windows XP, check your license. You might find that you have a “1-2 CPU” license for Windows. If so, your version of Windows can handle two separate CPU chips, although your computer might not have the ability to do it.

Why are chip manufacturers making dual-core systems now?
It’s becoming harder to make computer chips run faster than they do today, but there’s a steady demand for computers that run faster. So placing two CPU cores on one chip is a way of doubling performance. Any one program doesn’t run faster, but you can really run two programs at once – doubling the performance of the computer.

This allows chip designers to offer a new, competitive product, with less trouble than designing a completely new chip.

This also makes life more exciting for makers of those heavy-duty multiprocessor computers. Think about it. Your 4-CPU computer could turn into an 8-CPU machine if you used dual-core chips. This is a big opportunity for people who do heavy computing work. It lets them build bigger computers while saving energy and space in their computer rooms.

This also makes life a little simpler for software developers too. Programs written for an existing chip will also run on the dual-core version of the same kind of chip.

Do I need a dual-core computer?
Generally speaking, if you have to ask, you probably don’t need it. That is, users who will benefit the most from dual-core chips are already using complex programs that require multiple CPUs today. If you are looking simply for a computer for Web surfing and email, dual cores won’t help too much.

If you routinely do jobs in the background, such as database searches or printing, dual-core computers might help. And if you simply must have the latest gadgetry, a dual-core system fits the bill. Ask about the specific programs you use. Many programs won’t be able to use dual-core features without being rewritten first.

As dual-core computers gain popularity, you’ll start to see them influence the design of even everyday programs, as programmers look for ways to use all this extra computing power.

Will dual-core computers help with games?
Not necessarily. Game programs haven’t tended to rely on parallel tasks (called threads) so they won’t immediately benefit from a dual-core computer. Games have traditionally demanded fast speeds and powerful graphics boards. This kind of a change is moving in a different direction. But eventually, you’ll see games start to apply this new feature, and become more engaging in the process.

Are you thinking about a new computer? We can help you decide. Send a message to request@stoneyhillassociates.com.

Please note: Any trademarks and trade names of others mentioned in this message are the property of their owners, and not Stoney Hill Associates, LLC. We respect the intellectual property of others. The information provided is believed to be reliable, but we cannot guarantee that the procedures and information given here will work correctly for your specific situation.

If you would like help with a computer or software problem you face, contact us. Send an email to request@stoneyhillassociates.com.

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