Today, CPUs are getting faster, cheaper, and more advanced, doubling their cores to make them even more powerful. This guide serves to compare the three types of cores, single, dual, and quad, by first explaining how a CPU works, and why multiple cores are even necessary. Next, the advantages and disadvantages of each core will be explained. Processors can be purchased at a variety of
computer parts stores and suppliers, but those who want a wider choice of CPUs should visit eBay.
How a CPU Works
The CPU serves as the central brain of the computer. Also known as the processor or core, this small chip inside the computer is quite powerful, as it takes all the information and instructions given by the user, processes it, and then sends it out to the rest of the computer to execute. Of course, at any given time, a computer is processing dozens of instructions, such as typing the letters on the keyboard, interpreting mouse clicks, playing songs and movies, and everything else a user does with a computer. Most of today’s processors contain a single core, dual core, or quad core, which is actually two dual core chips combined to form four cores. The table below shows a brief description of each type of core, and some sample capabilities.
Type of CPU
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Description
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Capabilities
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Has one core to process different operations; microprocessors were single cores from the early 1970s on
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Word processing, checking email, surfing the Internet, watching videos
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Has two cores to process operations; able to process more information at the same time
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Flash-enabled web browsing, video and conference chatting
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Contains two dual core processors in one integrated circuit
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Voice-GPS systems, multi-player gaming, video editing
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Additional cores were added when it became apparent that increasing clock speeds in a computer was getting to be too difficult. Thus, increasing the cores became the manufacturer’s answer to this problem.
Necessity for Multi-core Systems
It used to be that processors were defined by their clock speed. The clock speed (measured in gigahertz or megahertz) is the rate that a CPU can complete one processing cycle. So, a one-gigahertz (GHz) CPU could complete about 1 billion cycles in one second. The often-quoted Moore’s Law states that the amount of transistors on integrated circuits doubles every two years, which many have interpreted to mean that processing power would double as well; this law actually rang true for a few decades. However, chipmakers hit a wall back in 2004, when Intel had to scrap their plans for a 4 GHz chip. The problem was, the chips ran too hot and took too much power to be viable. Thus, the dual core chips were born, and even while this was being released, the debut of a four-chip version was pending.
The Single Core CPU
The single-core CPU utilizes one core inside the processor. This was the very first type of CPU, and today, is still used in many machines, such as some smartphones, laptops, and netbooks. These types of CPUs have distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- Uses less power: It takes less power to run a single core CPU. Quad-core and dual core use up a lot of energy, which is not a problem with machines that are plugged into the wall, but it can drain laptop batteries quickly.
- Runs cooler: Using less power means there’s less heat generated by the core.
- Sufficient for most software: Much of today’s software isn’t built for multi-core CPUs; in many cases, having a second processor is unnecessary.
Disadvantages
- Runs slower: In cases where the computer specs are comparable, the single-core processors run slower that multi-core processors. They simply do not have as much computing capacity as the multi-core systems.
- Freezing: Many of today’s software programs use up a lot of computing power. Often, a user will use many programs, which overloads the CPU and the computer simply freezes to stop the user from opening any more programs.
The Dual-Core CPU
The dual-core CPU is a processor with two execution cores in a single integrated circuit. These cores act as a single unit, but they will each have their own controller and cache, allowing them to perform faster than single-core processors.
Advantages
- Performs tasks faster: Dual-core CPUs run faster than single-core ones, especially in instances where there are multiple processes at one time. When a single-core processor has to do two different things, it must stop what it’s doing and then switch to the next task. This switching is what creates lags, and in dual-core processors, this switching between tasks is reduced because there are two processors that can do the task at once.
- Reduced costs: Even before there were dual-core CPUs, users were able to build dual-processor units that had the computing power of two computers. However, this also meant it was like purchasing another computer, because that means buying a separate processor and motherboard sockets. A dual-core processor can fit into a single motherboard and computer.
Disadvantages
- Wasted computer power: While dual-core CPUs certainly can blaze through numerous applications, most regular users don’t need that much power. Checking email, surfing through text-based sites, and typing documents don’t actually use up a lot of power. Unless the person uses graphics or video programs, the dual-core almost seems excessive.
- Compatibility with software: Sure, dual-core CPUs will run any software, but the software itself has to be programmed for the dual-core CPU. Programmers have to tell the software that when one CPU is overloading, it needs to switch some of the tasks over to the second CPU.
The Quad-Core CPU
Quad-core CPUs contain four processors. Depending on the manufacturer, this can mean that four cores are on the same integrated circuit or the same chip package. Since these are a little more complicated that dual-core CPUs, there are some variations on this design. For example, some chips may or may not share resources like caches. It’s also possible to have a quad-core processor with the same types of chips (homogeneous multi-core systems) or different chips (heterogeneous multi-core systems).
Advantages
- Multitasking: The quad-core system is one of the best systems for multi-tasking. With so many cores, it can do many processes at once, while still maintaining the integrity of the system.
- Run intensive applications: Applications that use up a lot of resources, such as graphics programs, video editors, and anti-virus programs, can run smoothly at the same time.
- Less heat and power consumption: Most of the newer quad-core chips are so small and efficient; they can actually use less power and generate less heat than single-core systems.
- Use for long term: The problem with Moore’s Law is that it practically guaranteed that your computer would be obsolete in about 24 months. Since few software programs are programmed to run on dual-core, much less quad-core, these processors are actually way ahead of software development.
Disadvantages
- Lowers battery life: Depending on the type of applications, quad-core systems can drain batteries faster.
- Available software: Software needs to be programmed to take full advantage of quad-core CPUs, so not all programs can utilize the four processors.
- Hardware compatibility: Multi-core processors are compatible with certain motherboards, so it’s not as simple as swapping out the old CPU with a brand new one. Purchase of a new motherboard may also necessitate the purchase of other components that are compatible with the motherboard.
