A dual-core paradox?
Here is a thought I would like to humbly submit for discussion. The consensus is that dual-core processors are better at multitasking. The thought is that they are only because most applications are single-threaded. So one core is idle and can give its full power to another single threaded application.
The consensus is also that dual-core processors will really come into their own as more and more application are designed for multiple threads. Here is another thought: dual-cores will be faster with multi-threaded apps, but their better multi-tasking abilities will go out the window at the same time, as both cores will be filled with threads.
When one buys a 3800+ X2 he is buying two 3200+ on the same die...for about twice the price. The X2 will be almost twice as fast as the 3200... if it can process multiple threads.
Dual-cores and soon, quad-cores and more have basically been invented because of the inability of the chip manufacturers to continue raising clock speeds at a sustained pace.
Multi-tasking is mainly controlled by the OS, not by the processor.
Here is a thought I would like to humbly submit for discussion. The consensus is that dual-core processors are better at multitasking. The thought is that they are only because most applications are single-threaded. So one core is idle and can give its full power to another single threaded application.
The consensus is also that dual-core processors will really come into their own as more and more application are designed for multiple threads. Here is another thought: dual-cores will be faster with multi-threaded apps, but their better multi-tasking abilities will go out the window at the same time, as both cores will be filled with threads.
When one buys a 3800+ X2 he is buying two 3200+ on the same die...for about twice the price. The X2 will be almost twice as fast as the 3200... if it can process multiple threads.
Dual-cores and soon, quad-cores and more have basically been invented because of the inability of the chip manufacturers to continue raising clock speeds at a sustained pace.
Multi-tasking is mainly controlled by the OS, not by the processor.