Dual Processor systems can only be utilized by specific applications.

[xMax]

I've always wondered about this question. And i've tried searching for the answer on the web, but to no avail.

I am firmly aware that only certain specialized heavy duty applications can actually utilize or take advantage of dual processors in a dual processor system. These would be CAD and animation like programs. But what about dual-core based systems? Are they the same? That is, does a dual core only excel when running a program that is written to take advantage of the dual cores, or when running two simultaneous heavy applications?

I say this because single core processors, wether from Intel or AMD, often have the single core based processors running at higher core clocks and front side bus speeds than the dual-core processors, which in turn would imply that they would actually outperform a dual-core processor when running a single heavy application.

I'm asking this because most of the bench marks, like the CPU charts on THGs web site, show the dual-cores often outperforming single cores, wether for Intel or AMD, but they don't say if there are other applications running, like a background anti-virus program, which is a heavy application. And its logical to assume that they would perform real life benchmarks where there would be an antivirus program running in the background.

Anyhow, that's my question.

 

[biostud]

it's the same.

 

[xMax]

Meaning what?

Meaning that dual-core only excels when running dual applications or applications that are written to take advantage of dual-core or dual-processors?

 

[BrownTown]

meaning that if a program is not designed to run on a dual core processor it will run at the same speed as it would run on a single core processor. You only get a benefit when code is designed for a dual core system, or if you run many programs designed for single core systems in order to use both cores. Its called TLP (thread level parrelellism), and it is required for a dual core processor to be effective.

There are also ILP (instruction level parrelellism used by multi issue out of order cores), and DLP (data level parrelellism used by SIMD processors like the SSE instructions in x86)

 

[xMax]

Sounds good browntown.

Although i haven't a god damn clue as to what you said in the second paragraph, but that's alright. In fact, i would rather not take the subject any further.

Thanks.