Dual Core vs Multi-Core... Intel vs AMD??

[Lord Banshee]

OK from the newest article from IDF it states that Intel will release the p4 dualcore this year.. But next year they will release multi-core.

But everything i read about AMD new CPUs are... Dual Core = Multi-Core..

So i am confused.. Is intel next year going to release 1 chip with two core sperated over one heatspreader... IF this is the case WHY?? i mean i would think that the cores being closer together would be a plus..

On the other hand it seems that the intel Dual Cores shares a 2MB cache (1MB per Core). But the Multi-Core has 2MB for each core... again is it serpated physicaly??

Then i think about AMD... Every digrams i seen from AMD is that it has 2 different cores with each of its own Cache.. BUt it is still one CHIP( phyically next two each other).. So is AMD method better as the cores will be closer to each other in turn less latency?


What do you guys think about this? Did i miss something?

 

[BEL6772]

From what I can tell, multi-core is defined as more than one processing core on the chip. Dual-core is a sub-set of multi-core. Intel plans on releasing a dual-core this year, but future products may have more than two cores, hence the multi-core terminology.

Both Intel and AMD are making their dual-core parts on a single piece of silicon, so both cores and their associated cache memory banks are all on the same physical piece of silicon.

 

[Calin]

The advantage of a single chip with multiple processors is in the server/workstation production. A single chip will need just one socket, less space on the mainboard, one heat sink&fan will probably occupy less volume than two. Also, there will be fewer traces on the mainboard, so a cheaper board could be used (fewer layers). The costs will go down for the likes of HP, IBM and so on.
Also, they will develop a single mainboard for use in single or dual "processor" computers, they will use a single processor chip or a dual processor chip in the same packaging so in the same socket. Upgrading the processor to a "dual processor" also beats the hell out of upgrading the mainboard, processors, and maybe the case. It all adds to money saved for the PC makers. Also, I think packaging two cores in a single chip will be cheaper than packaging two cores in two chips, so some money can be saved in this way.
Another thing - Microsoft will count processors (in per processors license fees) as physical chips. Paying half the price for software is a very nice addition, IMHO - and this will just be better in the future, as the chips with four processors or more will start to appear