DUEL CORE PROCESSOR

A dual-core processor is a CPU with two separate cores on the same die, each with its own cache. It’s the equivalent of getting two microprocessors in one. In a single-core or traditional processor the CPU is fed strings of instructions it must order, execute, then selectively store in its cache for quick retrieval. When data outside the cache is required, it is retrieved through the system bus from random access memory (RAM) or from storage devices. Accessing these slows down performance to the maximum speed the bus, RAM or storage device will allow, which is far slower than the speed of the CPU. The situation is compounded when multi-tasking. In this case the processor must switch back and forth between two or more sets of data streams and programs. CPU resources are depleted and performance suffers.

In a dual-core processor each core handles incoming data strings simultaneously to improve efficiency. Just as two heads are better than one, so are two hands. Now when one is executing the other can be accessing the system bus or executing its own code. Adding to this favorable scenario, both AMD and Intel’s dual--core flagships are 64-bit.

A dual-core processor is different from a multi-processor system. In the latter there are two separate CPUs with their own resources. In the former, resources are shared and the cores reside on the same chip. A multi-processor system is faster than a system with a dual-core processor, while a dual-core system is faster than a single-core system, all else being equal.

An attractive value of dual-core processors is that they do not require a new motherboard, but can be used in existing boards that feature the correct socket. Servers running multiple dual-core processors will see an appreciable increase in performance.

Multi-core processors are the goal and as technology shrinks, there is more “real-estate” available on the die. In the fall of 2004 Bill Siu of Intel predicted that current accommodating motherboards would be here to stay until 4-core CPUs eventually force a changeover to incorporate a new memory controller that will be required for handling 4 or more cores.

CONCLUSION

The convergence of dual-core and 64-bit technologies will deliver mainframe-class power and performance to mainstream platforms, enabling applications that traditionally run on higher-end systems to also run on lower-priced, industry-standard server platforms. The evolution of processor technology to dual-core design will address the market’s needs for a solution that provides performance gains within fixed power and physical space limitations.

With dual-core technology, highly threaded and parallel processing systems can run on x86 servers by virtue of each contained core’s ability to allocate dedicated resources to each thread. Individual- cores can manage distinct threads while coexisting in a low-latency environment. This improvement opens up the opportunity for multithreaded operating systems supporting either numerous single-threaded applications or some multithreaded applications common on client computers. As a result, these significantly improved compute capabilities will provide the advanced technological environments required to drive a shift in workload processing. IDC believes that as dual-core technologies develop and are adopted and deployed their ability to enable heavy multitasking environments will be the catalyst for an evolution in server workload management. The result will be the eventual migration of workloads previously deployed only in mainframe environments into the more pricing aggressive x86 end of the server market. 

So in the existing marketing scenario, the next boom will be of dual- core processors which ensure an hour worth using every second without the usual awaiting before the dreary hour glass cursor .So the future will be of dual- core processors.